Cardiologist Yulia Marshintseva named the sensation of pressing pain behind the breastbone among the “classic complaints” of people who have a heart attack.
Doctor Marshintseva recalled that the development of a heart attack occurs in circumstances of blockage of the coronary artery. This is usually caused by the first appearance of a cholesterol plaque in the artery, and then by a blood clot – a thrombus – getting into this area.
“A heart attack occurs when a thrombus ‘sits’ on a plaque in the coronary arteries, which stops the blood flow through a certain vessel,” Yulia Marshintseva told Moscow 24.
The cardiologist noted that at such a moment a person may feel discomfort in the chest, reminiscent of pressure from something heavy.
“Classic complaints during a heart attack are pressing pains behind the sternum, as if something heavy was placed there. It can radiate to the shoulder blade, left arm,” the doctor clarified.
Marshintseva added that the pain that occurs in the sternum during a myocardial infarction does not go away on its own. Taking nitroglycerin also does not help relieve the discomfort – this is one of the telltale moments of a heart attack. An ambulance should be called immediately for a person with such symptoms.
The cardiologist drew attention to the fact that in order to protect the heart from a heart attack, it is necessary, among other things, to monitor blood sugar levels – its high content, like the presence of diabetes, seriously aggravates problems with blood vessels and the heart, the doctor emphasized.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote that many people mistakenly take the pain that occurs during cardiac ischemia for gastritis or poisoning.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Yulia Marshintseva Health cardiologist