Angina and heart attack may feel the same

If you feel symptoms of angina (listed in the section below), follow these steps unless your health care provider has given you other instructions:

• Take one nitroglycerin tablet or use one nitroglycerin spray. Sit for 5 minutes.
• If the angina goes away, rest for a while, then continue your normal routine.
• If the angina does not go away or gets worse, call 911 right away. Do not delay. Do not drive yourself to a hospital emergency room or urgent care.

Symptoms of both angina and heart attack

If you feel any of these symptoms, it is best to call 911 and get help.

• tightening, pressure, squeezing, aching sensation in your chest or arms
• a feeling of indigestion
• a feeling of fullness
• a sharp, burning or cramping pain
• aching, weakness or numbness that begins in or spreads to your neck, jaw, throat, shoulder or back of your arms
• discomfort in your neck or upper back, particularly between your shoulder blades
• difficulty breathing
• nausea
• vomiting
• cold sweats
• paleness
• generalized weakness
• severe fatigue
• anxiety

Related Links

Angina and heart attack: Questions and answers

Heart attack or brain attack (stroke): Are you at risk?

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/01/2007

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts