Final answer:
Angina pectoris is a condition characterized by chest pain or pressure due to insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. While angina is an indication of an increased risk for a heart attack, it does not mean that a heart attack is already occurring. Prompt medical attention should be sought if angina symptoms worsen or persist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Angina pectoris is a condition characterized by chest pain or pressure that occurs when the heart muscle cells do not receive enough blood flow and become starved of oxygen. It is caused by the partial blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of plaque. However, it is important to note that angina pectoris is not the same as a heart attack.
In the case of angina pectoris, the pain is usually triggered by physical exertion and improves quickly with rest or the administration of nitroglycerin. On the other hand, a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is completely blocked, often due to a blood clot or the rupture of a plaque in a coronary artery. A heart attack typically causes more severe and prolonged chest pain and can lead to damage to the heart muscle and even death if not treated promptly.
Therefore, angina pectoris is an indication that a person may be at risk for a heart attack, but it does not necessarily mean that a heart attack is already occurring. It is important to seek medical attention if angina symptoms worsen or persist, as it may be a sign of an impending heart attack.