Angina Pectoris
Diagnosis of angina pectoris
Source: Diana Hysi
In this topic (8)
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis include:
- Infarction of the myocardis. In the infarction, the pain lasts longer, could come regardless of physical exertion, and is not affected by nitroglycerine.
Arterial pressure may fall to the point of causing the patient to collapse, and after 24-48 hours, the patient may experience fever. Blood tests are altered, all parameters increase.
In contrast to angina, once the pain has subsided, the symptoms are still visible in the EcG and in fact show an evolution (worsening) of the disease. - Heart neurosis. This is characterized by a stabbing pain, and localized at the very peak of the heart (like, right on top). The patient is most likely to point at the region of pain, rather than gesture using their palm. These types of neurosis affect mostly pubescent women.
- Paroxysmal tachycardia. In these cases, the patients first experience the increased heart rate, and then the pain.
- Acute pericarditis.
- Left Scapulohumeral Arthritis.
- Neuritis of the left brachial plexus.
- Intercostal neuralgia.
- Ulcer disease
- Other typical diseases etc.
Patients experiencing such symptoms should immediately refer to a doctor, regardless of the severity of the pain.
Upon experience of the pain, they are advised to take nitroglycerine, even if they suspect they may be feeling pain.
In 50% of cases experiencing such pain result in death, hence the warning.
Articles for Angina Pectoris
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Causes of angina pectoris
The main and most common factor is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (arteries of the heart). This is the case in 90% of angina pectoris cases. Other causes include: stenosis of the ostium of the aorta, insufficiency of the aorta, etc.
Diagnosis of angina pectoris
Differential diagnosis include: infarction of the myocardis, heart neurosis, paroxysmal tachycardia, acute pericarditis, etc. Patients experiencing such symptoms should immediately refer to a doctor, regardless of the severity of the pain.
Doctor - patient conversation
Patients who experience angina pain, are usually very agitated and anxious, at times pale, perspiration visible on the forehead, scared of potential imminent death. At times, patient experiences problems with urination and defecation, sometimes urinating frequently or not at all.
Introduction
Angina pectoris (stenocardia) is the result of myocardial ischemia (i.e. not the disease itself). Stenocardia (chest pain) is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease.
Symptoms of angina pectoris
Patients start to feel pain or discomfort: occurs when the heart must work harder, usually during physical exertion; doesn't come as a surprise, and episodes of pain tend to be alike; usually lasts a short time (5 minutes or less); is relieved by rest or medicine, etc.
Treating angina pectoris
Those suffering from angina pectoris do not have to constantly rest, except for cases in which the pain episodes are frequent and severe. These patients should however avoid great exhaustion, emotional stress and quit smoking.
Why does the pain occur in angina pectoris?
The pain comes as a consequence of the lack of oxygen in the heart muscle, which in turn, comes as a consequence of lack of blood circulation in the heart blood vessels (less blood circulating). The lack of oxygen triggers interoceptive nerve endings.
