On a sunny weekend afternoon, Mr. Zhang, a 60-year-old retired teacher, was enjoying a fun game of chess with his friends. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, followed by chest tightness and difficulty breathing. This condition has occurred occasionally in the past, but Mr. Zhang always thinks that it is just ordinary chest discomfort, which may be caused by fatigue or indigestion. However, this time the pain was intense and persistent, causing him to panic like never before. Friends immediately rushed him to the hospital, where it turned out to be not a simple chest discomfort, but a sign of angina, a symptom that could indicate a serious heart problem.
This true story is not only a wake-up call for Mr. Zhang, but also a reminder for all of us. Many middle-aged and older adults often ignore or misunderstand the symptoms of chest pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, and do not understand that these may be early warning signs of anginaNot to mention distinguishing it from a fatal myocardial infarction.
When it comes to angina, many people may feel unfamiliar, but when we talk about chest pain, tightness and shortness of breath, these symptoms are more common and intuitive. Angina pectoris is a manifestation of heart disease, and it's more than just pain. This section will delve into the relationship between these three symptoms and angina.
Chest pain: It's not just "pain".
In the case of angina, chest pain is usually not a sharp or tingling sensation, but a feeling of pressure or heavy pressure. The pain is usually located in the back of the sternum and sometimes radiates to the neck, shoulders or arms. Chest pain in angina occurs mostly after physical activity or emotional agitation and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Compared to myocardial infarction,Angina pectoris is painful for a shorter period of time, usually no more than a few minutes.
Chest tightness: Signals should not be ignored.
Chest tightness is another important sign of angina. It is not a simple "feeling unwell", but a constant feeling of pressure or lack of oxygen. Chest tightness caused by angina is often accompanied by difficulty breathing, especially when performing physical exertion. This feeling of tightness in the chest may be due to a lack of blood supply to the heart, which prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively.
Shortness of breath: More than just being out of breath.
People with angina may experience shortness of breath when they are active. This shortness of breath is not simply "out of breath", but a deep breathing difficulty caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart. This usually occurs after exertion or exerciseand relieved with rest. If shortness of breath also occurs at rest, it may be a sign of an aggravation of the disease.
These three symptoms of angina — chest pain, chest tightness and shortness of breath — are common, but the experience may be different for everyone. These symptoms may not always be severe, but they are important signals that the heart is not getting enough blood. If these symptoms appear, especially after physical activity, you should seek medical attention promptly for a check-up. Understanding these symptoms and the reasons behind them is essential for timely diagnosis and** heart disease.
In our daily life, we should pay attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, have regular medical check-ups, and detect and treat heart problems in a timely manner. Avoiding high-fat diets, controlling weight, maintaining moderate exercise, and reducing stress are all important measures to prevent heart disease. Through the awareness of these symptoms and the right lifestyle habits, we can effectively reduce the risk of angina and other heart diseases.
Heart health is the root of life, and it's important to understand your heart's distress signals. Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, although the symptoms are similar, are very different in nature and treatment. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a clear guide to help you distinguish between the two conditions and take the right steps to deal with them.
Angina pectoris: an irregular wake-up call.
Angina is usually caused by a temporary ischemia of the heart due to restricted blood flow to the coronary arteries of the heart. In this case, you may experience pressure or pain in your chest, which can sometimes spread to your shouldersBack and even the jaw. It is important to note that angina usually appears after physical activity or mood swings and is relieved at rest or after taking nitroglycerin.
Myocardial infarction: an emergency call for life.
Myocardial infarction is a more serious condition. It occurs when blood flow to one of the coronary arteries is completely blocked, resulting in prolonged ischemia and even necrosis of the heart tissue. Symptoms of myocardial infarction include persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating, and dizziness. Unlike angina, the pain of myocardial infarction is usually not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
The difference between the two: the key is in the details.
The most critical differentiator is the duration and response to pain. Angina pectoris is pain that lasts for a short period of time, usually within a few minutes, and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The pain of myocardial infarction usually lasts more than 30 minutesand is not easily relieved by rest or medication.
Self-observation: The importance of acting in a timely manner.
When experiencing chest pain, it is important to observe and act promptly. If the pain lasts for a long time, or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sweating, etc., you should seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and** is essential for patients with myocardial infarction and can greatly reduce heart damage.
By understanding the difference between angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, you can better identify and cope with possible heart problems. Remember, anytime you experience chest pain do not hesitate to seek medical attention as soon as possible, because in the face of heart healthEvery minute counts. Let's arm ourselves with knowledge, protect our hearts, and make our lives healthier and more secure.