A friend told Hua Zi that the typical symptom of myocardial infarction is chest pain. She has been to the hospital several times because of chest pain, and one of them even took “120”, thinking that she had suffered I had a myocardial infarction, but after a checkup at the hospital, nothing happened.
Hua Zi said, Although the typical symptom of myocardial ischemia is chest pain, not all chest pain is myocardial ischemia. When chest pain occurs, don’t be too nervous. You can first judge by yourself according to the symptoms, whether it is the heart that is calling the police.
1. Duration of chest pain
Many people experience chest pain for a short period of time, it may be a brief moment of pain, or it lasts only a few seconds, This short-term chest pain is usually not related to the heart
strong>. If it is angina pectoris caused by myocardial ischemia, it usually lasts for more than 3 minutes, and it will be relieved after adequate rest or sublingual nitroglycerin, but generally no more than 15 minutes.
Nitroglycerin can be sublingually taken one tablet every 5 minutes. If 3 tablets are taken in a row, or if the symptoms of chest pain persist for more than 15 minutes, myocardial infarction may occur. Do not continue to take nitroglycerin at this time, but call for help immediately and call 120 for emergency services.
2. Scope of chest pain
When chest pain occurs, If it is a pain point that can be pointed out with one finger, it is generally not myocardial ischemia, it may be a nerve or muscle problem. Pain caused by myocardial ischemia is characterized by radiating pain and referred pain, usually in the size of the palm of the hand, which cannot be clearly pointed out with fingers. At the same time, the pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm, back and other parts.
If the chest pain is vertically distributed, accompanied by a burning sensation under the breastbone, acid reflux in the mouth, usually after meals or when lying down, and sometimes accompanied by an irritating dry cough, then Most likely chest pain from gastroesophageal reflux disease, not related to heart disease.
3. The way the pain appears
If the chest pain is caused by compression, or with the breathing movement, it is basically not related to myocardial ischemia. It is likely that there is mild inflammation of the rib joints, irritating the pain caused by peripheral nerves.
Some people with anxiety disorders will magnify the pain in the rib joints, panic attacks due to excessive fear of heart problems, involuntarily increase the breathing rate, and have respiratory alkalosis causing fingers , Symptoms of tingling lips.
And chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia occurs spontaneously and has nothing to do with compression or breathing. And even with compressions, the pain doesn’t get worse.
What are the characteristics of chest pain during myocardial ischemia?
Pain from myocardial ischemia typically lasts more than 3 minutes and manifests as palm-sized chest tightness in the anterior chest, Crushing pain. This is usually accompanied by suffocation, difficulty breathing, sweating, a sense of impending death, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
It should be noted that in some people, the pain during myocardial ischemia may not occur in the chest, but instead manifest as left shoulder pain, back pain, left hand pain, neck pain, and even toothache. However, pain caused by myocardial ischemia has a common feature, that is, often attacked during activity, or worsened after activity, and relieved after a short rest.
Chest pain that persists for more than 15 minutes without relief is a risk of myocardial infarction.
Patients with coronary heart disease should pay attention to preventing angina pectoris
People with coronary heart disease should carry nitroglycerin tablets with them and take them under the tongue when chest pain occurs, which can rapidly dilate the coronary arteries and relieve symptoms. Daily use of statins and antiplatelet drugs should be adhered to regularly to prevent the occurrence of myocardial infarction.
People with “three highs” chronic diseases should control the corresponding indicators with medication to avoid disease progression. The use of lorol drugs, calcium ion antagonists and other drugs can reduce the oxygen consumption of the heart and reduce the incidence of angina pectoris.
Don’t overwork, don’t eat too full, avoid forced defecation, and beware of cold stimulation, which can reduce the possibility of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
To summarize, myocardial ischemia can cause chest pain, but not all chest pain is myocardial ischemia. When chest pain occurs, you can judge by yourself whether the heart is calling the police. Don’t be overly nervous, but don’t take it lightly. People who have confirmed coronary heart disease should pay attention to medication to prevent the occurrence of angina pectoris. The medicine should be used under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any doubts about the medicine, please consult your doctor and pharmacist. I am Huazi, a pharmacist. Welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.