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"The chest is so tight that it's like an elephant pressing against it."
Huang Daming touched his chest as he spoke, his face whiter than paper. Huang Daming, a 65-year-old retired middle school history teacher, has always been a health-conscious person, running in the morning and evening, and occasionally participating in tai chi activities in the community.
Who would have thought that on a sunny weekend, he was rushed to the nearest hospital, accompanied by his family. On the way to the hospital, Huang Daming's condition took a sharp turn for the worse. Despite the best efforts of medical staff to provide first aid, Huang Daming passed away before arriving at the hospital. This is undoubtedly a blow to his family.
After learning the details of Huang Daming's situation, the doctor said to the family: "This situation is actually very common, but it is often overlooked. Older people should be especially alert to the three major abnormalities of coronary atherosclerosis: chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. ”
This remark caught the attention of the family, who began to ask carefully, hoping to learn more about prevention and early identification from the doctor's words. Doctors began to explain in detail, hoping to help more people become aware of these potential health threats.
"First of all, let's talk about chest pain. Chest pain is more than just feeling discomfort in your chest, it's one of the most common symptoms of heart disease. Patients often describe a feeling of pressure, weight, or squeezing. Especially for people with a family history of coronary heart disease like Mr. Huang Daming, they should be careful, because the probability of heart disease in people with a family history is 2 to 3 times higher than that of ordinary people. ”
The doctor went on to explain shortness of breath: "It's not just a common wheezing experience in older people due to physical exhaustion. If shortness of breath occurs without effort, especially if accompanied by light activity, it is likely to be a sign of impaired heart function, and about 50% of people with heart failure will experience shortness of breath in the early stages of the disease. ”
Then there's the rapid heartbeat, which the doctor explains: "Rapid heartbeat is often mistaken for nervousness or anxiety. However, if there is a persistent rapid heartbeat without an apparent reason, especially if palpitations are also felt at rest, this may be a sign that the heart is under too much stress. Middle-aged and older adults in this condition have an increased risk of heart disease. ”
Through this series of detailed explanations, the family's understanding of coronary atherosclerosis has been significantly improved. The doctor's words reveal not only professional knowledge, but also deep concern for the patient's life.
In the process of explaining, the doctor did not forget to add some humorous tone to relieve the tense atmosphere: "You see, our body is like a delicate clock, and any abnormal cog can lead to the disorder of the whole system. The same is true of our hearts, which need our attention and care all the time. ”
During the Q&A session, Huang Daming's son asked a question: "Doctor, how should we distinguish the chest pain you just mentioned from ordinary chest tightness or symptoms caused by heart disease?" ”
The doctor replied in detail: "That's a good question." In general, chest pain caused by heart disease has several typical characteristics: it lasts for a long time, does not change in intensity, and is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as cold sweats, nausea, or pain that radiates to the neck or shoulders. If you have such symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention immediately. ”
Through this tragic incident, the family's attention to heart health has been substantially improved. The doctor's answers also helped them understand how to better take care of their heart health and that of their families. Although this experience is painful, it is a profound revelation and wake-up call for life.
What do you think about chest tightness? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!