Konstantin Krulev, a cardiologisttoldhow to understand that it is the heart that hurts, that is, how to distinguish angina pectoris from other pains?
This is an important question, because it is pain in the heart that can indicate a serious, life-threatening disease. The right attitude to the disease can save lives and prevent heart attacks.
Angina pectoris, or “angina pectoris” – a sudden attack of pressing pain in the region of the heart. Accompanied by weakness, fear, sweating. This is a disease caused by atherosclerosis of one or more vessels of the heart.
The doctor told about a 60-year-old patient who complained of heartburn. As it turned out, it was not at all in the increased acidity of the stomach, but in serious problems with the heart.
After the prescribed tests, she underwent a stenting of her right coronary artery, which ultimately saved her life.
Complaining about heartburn, the woman said that it only occurs when she walks fast for a distance of about 300 meters. When she stops, the heartburn disappears almost immediately. Food did not affect the appearance of this symptom, only exercise.
The discomfort that the woman described:
- were in the top parts of the abdomen and lower chest
- occurred when walking
- passed at rest
- had a short duration.
After According to the doctor, all four characteristics point to angina pectoris. It is for her that a burning or squeezing sensation is typical.
What pain is typical for angina pectoris:
- behind the sternum
- at the height of the load
- may be burning or pressing.
- quickly disappears when the load is stopped.
- quick positive reaction to nitroglycerin.
- pain is localized widely – you can't show it with a finger.
Atypical for angina pectoris:
- pain on the left side of the chest
- pain that occurs after exercise (after minutes, or, even more so, hours). prolonged pain lasting from 10 minutes
- stabbing pains (typical of intercostal neuralgia)
- pain aching, chilling, pinching (cardioneurosis)
- reaction to nitroglycerin, advancing after 5-10 minutes, angina pectoris is uncharacteristic
- point pain (typical for neuralgia).
Can angina pectoris be cured?
A prolonged attack of angina pectoris can cause heart failure and heart attack, which is a direct threat to life. It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled to prevent worsening.
When should I call an ambulance for an angina attack? An ambulance will be needed if the attack lasts more than 10 minutes and does not go away from nitroglycerin, or the pain began to be accompanied by new and unusual symptoms (gives to the jaw, neck, unusually strong, etc.).
The cardiologist outlined the key habits , healing the heart
The difference between angina pectoris and a heart attack: in the case of angina pectoris, the blood flow is quickly restored, the pain disappears, and irreversible damage does not occur in the heart.
The cardiologist called the sensations in the heart, signaling its different pathologies
Read also: How to remove swelling from the legs in a couple of minutes: a simple way from Dr. Shishonin.
Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.