At dusk, a middle-aged man was quietly reading a newspaper at home when he suddenly felt a sharp pressure in his chest, as if a boulder was pressing against his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He thought lightly: maybe it was the stomach pain caused by the undigested after lunch today. However, over time, the pain did not subside as expected, but became more severe. At this moment, he fell into a hesitation: should he call the emergency number for help, or simply take painkillers in the hope that the pain will relieve itself?
This condition is not unique, and many people often struggle to determine the true cause of chest pain, with angina and stomach pain intertwined, making it difficult to decide. Pain, as a warning sign from the body, can cause a variety of causes, ranging from simple indigestion to a dying heart disease. This article aims to reveal the difference between angina pectoris and stomach pain, guide readers on how to make a judgment between the two, and emphasize that when faced with suspected angina, one should not blindly relieve pain to avoid missing the best time for treatment.
By in-depth discussion and comparison of the characteristics of these two types of pain, we will provide a clear guide that will help you make more informed decisions when faced with pain. In addition, we will also emphasize that correctly identifying the nature of the pain is the first step to avoid serious consequences. Let's embark on this journey and learn how to interpret the body's signals to stay safe and protect our health and the health of our families.
1. Angina pectoris and stomach pain: very different signals, similar confusion
In life, many people may experience pain in the chest or abdomen, and this is when it becomes crucial to distinguish between angina and stomach pain. Angina pectoris, a manifestation of coronary artery disease, is usually chest pain caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart. Its pain is usually located behind the sternum and may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw. This pain, often accompanied by pressure, suffocation, or burning, may occur or worsen with physical activity and can be relieved with quiet rest and nitroglycerin.
In contrast, stomach pain is usually associated with digestive problems, with pain more skewed above the abdomen and may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness, belching, or nausea. Triggers for stomach pain may include poor eating habits, stress, or digestive disorders. Its painful nature can be dull, cramping, or burning, and has a lot to do with the type and timing of eating.
The key to identifying both types of pain is to pay attention to the specific characteristics of the pain, the context in which it occurs, and the accompanying symptoms. For example, if the pain occurs after strenuous exercise, is accompanied by difficulty breathing, and is relieved by rest, angina may be more likely to be skewed. Conversely, if the pain appears shortly after eating, accompanied by symptoms of indigestion, it may be a stomach ache.
2. Why accurate diagnosis is important: risks and costs that must be avoided
Accurate diagnosis of angina pectoris and stomach pain is not only a matter of timely treatment, but also of life safety. Mistaking angina for stomach pain can lead to missing the best time to treat coronary artery disease and increase the risk of myocardial infarction. When a myocardial infarction occurs, the heart muscle begins to be damaged due to a disruption in the blood supply, which can lead to permanent damage to heart function or even death if not treated immediately.
On the other hand, while stomach pain is usually not as acute as angina, ignoring stomach pain may also mask an underlying serious digestive disorder such as stomach ulcers or stomach cancer. Therefore, in the face of any kind of pain, it is crucial to seek a diagnosis from a medical professional to ensure that the right treatment and intervention are received.
3. The right coping strategy: When the pain strikes
When faced with chest or abdominal pain, the first thing is not to panic. The right course of action can be to call emergency medical care, especially if the pain occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sweating, nausea or syncope. While waiting for medical help to arrive, try to stay calm and avoid any activities that may worsen the pain.
For those who are unsure whether they have angina, temporary measures such as nitroglycerin (if previously recommended by your doctor) may be taken while your symptoms are relieved. If pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Prevention is better than cure: lifestyle modification and management
Finally, the key to preventing angina and stomach pain is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. These include eating a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress. For those at risk of cardiovascular disease, regular check-ups, including monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, are key to preventing angina. Similarly, avoiding excessive diets, spicy foods, and fatty foods can help prevent stomach pain and maintain a healthy digestive system.
Through integrated management and prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the risk of angina and stomach pain, thereby improving quality of life and long-term health.