Not all chest pain is caused by myocardial ischemia. What are the characteristics of chest pain when myocardial ischemia occurs?

A friend told Huazi that the typical symptom of myocardial infarction is chest pain. She has been to the hospital several times because of chest pain recently. One time she even took the "120" ambulance. She thought she had a myocardial infarction, but after a series of examinations at the hospital, nothing was wrong.

Hua Zi said that 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 judge by yourself based on the symptoms whether it is the heart sending an alarm.

1. Duration of chest pain

Many people experience chest pain for a short time, which may be a momentary pain or only last for a few seconds. This short-term chest pain is usually not related to the heart. If it is angina pectoris caused by myocardial ischemia, it usually lasts for more than 3 minutes and requires adequate rest or sublingual nitroglycerin to relieve, but generally does not exceed 15 minutes.

Nitroglycerin can be taken sublingually every 5 minutes. If you take 3 tablets in a row or the chest pain symptoms are not relieved for more than 15 minutes, myocardial infarction may occur. At this time, do not continue to take nitroglycerin, but call for help immediately and dial 120 emergency number.

2. Range of chest pain

When chest pain occurs, if the pain point can be pointed out with one finger, it is generally not myocardial ischemia, but may be a problem with nerves or muscles. The pain caused by myocardial ischemia will have the characteristics of radiating pain and referred pain, usually with a range as large as the palm of your hand, and cannot be clearly pointed out with your fingers. At the same time, the pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, back and other parts.

If the chest pain is distributed vertically and is accompanied by a burning sensation under the sternum, acid reflux in the mouth, and often occurs after meals or when lying down, and is sometimes accompanied by an irritating dry cough, then it is likely that the chest pain is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease and has nothing to do with heart disease.

3. How the pain occurs

If the chest pain is caused by pressing or breathing, it is basically not related to myocardial ischemia. It is likely that there is mild inflammation in the rib joints, which stimulates the peripheral nerves and causes pain.

Some people with anxiety disorders will magnify the pain in their rib joints and suffer panic attacks due to excessive fear of heart problems. They can't help but speed up their breathing rate and develop respiratory alkalosis, which causes numbness in the fingers and lips.

The chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia occurs spontaneously and has nothing to do with compression or breathing. Even if compression is performed, the pain will not be aggravated.

What are the characteristics of chest pain during myocardial ischemia? The pain caused by myocardial ischemia usually lasts for more than 3 minutes, and manifests as chest tightness and squeezing pain in the palm-sized area of ​​the chest. It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as breathlessness, dyspnea, sweating, and a sense of impending death, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.

It should be noted that the pain of myocardial ischemia may not occur in the chest of some people, but may manifest as left shoulder pain, back pain, left hand pain, neck pain, or even toothache. However, the pain caused by myocardial ischemia has one thing in common, which is that it often occurs during activities, or worsens after activities, and will be relieved after a short rest.

If chest pain lasts for more than 15 minutes without relief, you should be wary of the possibility of myocardial infarction.

People 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 sublingually when chest pain occurs. This can quickly dilate the coronary artery and relieve symptoms. Statins and antiplatelet drugs should be taken regularly to prevent myocardial infarction.

People with "three highs" chronic diseases should use medication to control the corresponding indicators to avoid the progression of the disease. The use of drugs such as loral drugs and calcium ion antagonists can reduce cardiac oxygen consumption and reduce the incidence of angina pectoris.

Avoid overwork, overeating, straining during bowel movements, and beware of cold stimulation to reduce the possibility of inducing angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.

To sum up, myocardial ischemia can cause chest pain, but not all chest pain is caused by myocardial ischemia. When chest pain occurs, you can judge whether it is the heart's alarm by the symptoms. Don't be overly nervous, but don't take it lightly. People who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease should pay attention to medication to prevent the occurrence of angina pectoris. Drugs must be used under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any questions about medication, please consult a doctor and pharmacist. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.