On a cold winter morning, Mr. Li, 67, was rushed to the hospital with sudden, severe abdominal pain. At first, he and his family thought it might just be an ordinary stomach ache or indigestion, but after a series of tests, the doctor told him that it was a sign of angina. The diagnosis not only shocked Mr. Lee, but also made his family realize that the symptoms of heart problems may be far less obvious than people think.
This case is a cautionary tale to all of us: angina can hide behind unusual symptoms, and ignoring these signals can lead to serious and even fatal consequences. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the atypical manifestations of angina, teach you how to recognize these hidden warnings, and when and where to seek the necessary medical help to protect yourself and your family.
Angina decoded: more than just chest pain
Angina basics
Angina pectoris, medically known as coronary symptoms, is a feeling of discomfort in the chest caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. This condition usually occurs when the heart needs more oxygen than it can supply, such as during strenuous exercise or nervousness. The main symptoms include a feeling of tightness or pain in the chest, often feeling like a heavy object pressing on the chest.
There are two main types of angina: stable and unstable. Stable angina occurs during physical activity or mood swings and resolves with rest or medication. Unstable angina, on the other hand, can also occur at rest and has more frequent and severe symptoms, which is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately.
Atypical symptoms of angina: When abdominal pain is not just indigestion
Although the typical symptom of angina is chest pain, it can also present as atypical, which often leads to misdiagnosis. Some of the atypical symptoms include:
Abdominal pain or stomach upset: Sometimes, angina can manifest as pain in the upper abdomen, which can be misdiagnosed as peptic ulcers, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal problems.
Neck, jaw or shoulder pain: Pain in angina pectoris may radiate to the neck, jaw or shoulder, especially the left shoulder. This symptom can be mistaken for muscle pain or arthritis.
Extreme fatigue or shortness of breath: People with angina may experience unusual fatigue or difficulty breathing when performing light activities.
It is important to understand these atypical manifestations of angina, especially in high-risk groups, such as middle-aged and older adults with a family history of heart disease, or individuals with increased systemic arterial blood pressure (hypertension) and abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes). Recognizing these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention can significantly reduce the risk of cardiac events.
By popularizing the basics of angina and its possible atypical symptoms, we hope to increase public awareness and self-awareness, thereby reducing the serious consequences of misdiagnosis.
High-risk population: Are you one of them?
Angina is not a condition unique to older people, but the risk is significantly higher than average in some populations. Key risk factors include increased systemic arterial blood pressure, abnormal glucose metabolism, obesity, long-term smoking, and family history. If you have any of the above symptoms, or if you are over the age of 55, it is recommended that you pay close attention to any signs of discomfort in your body. In addition, the constant high-stress environment in daily life may also increase the risk of angina. Identifying these factors and prescribing the right treatment is the first step to prevention.
Diagnosis and timely medical attention: the first line of life-saving
The diagnosis of angina should not be delayed. Key diagnostic modalities include electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise tolerance testing, and coronary imaging. An electrocardiogram (ECG) helps doctors see the heart's electrical activity to detect signs of insufficient blood supply. An exercise tolerance test, also known as a treadmill test, assesses heart health by monitoring your heart's performance during exercise. Coronary imaging techniques, such as CT coronary angiography or traditional coronary angiography, provide detailed images of the condition of the heart and blood vessels.
Delays in seeking medical attention can lead to heart damage and even fatal. If left untreated, angina may progress to myocardial infarction. Therefore, you should seek medical attention as soon as you develop chest pain, tightness, or the atypical symptoms mentioned in this article, such as persistent abdominal pain. Remember, the best time to treat angina is within a few hours of the initial symptoms, and prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival.
Through these two key sections, we hope to educate readers about the severity of angina, identify an individual's risk factors, and the importance of not delaying medical attention when symptoms develop. The purpose of this information is to educate the public and raise awareness and knowledge about the potentially fatal condition of angina.