During a family gathering, Mr. Li, 54, suddenly felt severe abdominal pain, and he thought it was just a normal stomach pain, so he took some digestive medicine. However, over time, the pain does not subside, but is accompanied by chest tightness and sweating. The family rushed him to the hospital, and shockingly, the results of the examination showed that it was an angina attack and that Mr. Lee's heart was in danger. Fortunately, timely medical intervention saved his life.
Angina pectoris is often described as a feeling of pressure or pain in the chest, but it does not always present in this typical form. In fact, angina can lurk behind abdominal pain, neck pain, and even toothache, especially in older people, when these atypical symptoms are more common. Ignoring these signals can lead to serious health risks, even life-threatening.
This article will delve into the atypical symptoms of angina, as well as the dangers that may be hidden behind them. Knowing this information can help us identify problems in a timely manner and take appropriate medical measures to effectively protect the health and safety of us and our loved ones. Let's explore the fog of angina together and learn how to face these hidden crises.
Behind angina: basics and misunderstandings
Angina decoded: What is heartache?
Angina pectoris, medically known as coronary symptoms, is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the coronary arteries of the heart, resulting in temporary ischemia and hypoxia of the heart muscle. This condition is usually caused by arteriosclerosis, in which substances such as fat and cholesterol accumulate in the lining of blood vessels to form plaques that reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. Risk factors include increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries (hypertension), abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes), and poor lifestyle habits.
Atypical Symptoms Alert: Abdominal pain may be a distress signal from the heart
When most people mention angina, they may immediately think of chest pain, chest tightness. However, the symptoms of angina are much more than that. Atypical symptoms, especially in older people, include:
Abdominal pain: some patients may experience epigastric discomfort, similar to dyspepsia or stomach pain, due to the innervation of the lower heart and stomach by the same artery, myocardial ischemia may reflexively manifest as abdominal pain.
Neck or jaw pain: Angina pectoris can also cause neck or jaw discomfort, which is often mistaken for a toothache or cervical spine problem.
Dyspnea: Although not painful, dyspnea is also an important atypical angina symptom, especially if you feel short of breath after doing light activity.
The presence of these atypical symptoms, especially in people with risk factors for heart disease, should be seen as an important sign of prompt medical attention. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms is essential to prevent serious cardiac events. By disseminating this knowledge, we hope to raise awareness of the diverse manifestations of angina pectoris, reduce misdiagnosis or neglect, and take the right medical action at critical times.
Effective management of angina: treatment and daily management
Treatment strategies: from medication to surgery
Treatment of angina is aimed at relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and preventing myocardial infarction. Treatment usually begins with pharmacological management, including nitroglycerin for rapid relief of chest pain; Long-acting nitrates, β-blockers, or calcium-channel blockers to control symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. For patients who do not respond well to medical therapy, angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting may be considered, as these methods can restore blood flow to the heart and reduce angina attacks.
Positive lifestyle adjustments
Lifestyle changes are essential in day-to-day management. Patients are advised to adjust their eating habits to increase their intake of high-fiber, low-fat foods and reduce salt and sugar consumption. Regular physical activity can enhance heart function, but overexertion should be avoided. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol are also necessary steps, as both tobacco and alcohol are risk factors for angina.
Life-saving tip: What to do with acute angina
Angina First Aid: Critical Steps
As soon as angina symptoms appear, taking fast-acting nitroglycerin tablets immediately is the preferred self-help method. If the pain does not relieve within five minutes, another tablet should be taken. If the pain persists, call the emergency number immediately. Try to stay calm and avoid any physical activity while waiting for first responders to arrive, which can reduce the workload on your heart.
When to seek medical help
It should not be overlooked that any new onset of chest pain or a change in previously experienced angina symptoms should be considered a potential medical emergency. In particular, when chest pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing, cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness, immediate medical attention should be sought immediately. These symptoms may indicate an increased risk of cardiac events, and prompt medical attention can significantly improve survival.
Through these direct and specific management and coping strategies, patients can not only effectively manage angina symptoms, but also maintain the calm and agility they deserve in an emergency, ensuring that they can receive the necessary treatment in times of crisis. The goal of this section is to provide practical information that will enable readers to make informed health choices when facing the challenges of angina.