2023-09-28 17:42:55
Chest pain is often recognized as a potential symptom of a heart attack, leading patients to seek immediate medical attention. However, there are cases where doctors are unable to find the cause of the chest pain, leaving patients with uncertainty and a lack of clarity regarding their health.
In most cases, a heart attack is the result of progressive coronary heart disease (CHD). This disease leads to the buildup of deposits made of cholesterol, calcium, inflammatory cells, and connective tissue, which progressively clog the blood vessels. As a result, the heart receives insufficient oxygen and nutrients, leading to the occurrence of a heart attack.
Aside from CHD, another factor that can cause heart problems leading to a heart attack is the narrowing of the tiny heart vessels known as microvessels. Unfortunately, these issues often go undetected for a considerable amount of time, and patients receive the unsatisfactory diagnosis of “unclear heart pain.”
To address these concerns, the German Heart Foundation is focusing on the importance of protecting blood vessels for this year’s World Heart Day on September 29th. The foundation has provided a comprehensive information package that individuals can order on their website.
Professor Thomas Voigtländer, CEO of the German Heart Foundation, emphasizes the importance of individuals knowing their personal health values, such as LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. By understanding these values, individuals can effectively reduce their individual risk of a heart attack. Professor Voigtländer also highlights the significance of recognizing the signs of coronary artery disease, which may manifest as symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and chest pain during physical exertion.
In the case of a suspected heart attack, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately by dialing 112. Professor Voigtländer stresses the importance of prompt action, as every minute counts when it comes to a heart attack. Without immediate medical intervention, a heart attack can progress into serious cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, which can result in cardiac arrest and death within minutes.
It is worth noting that heart attacks often occur at home, making it essential to initiate resuscitation immediately if an individual is unconscious and not breathing. The emergency team, contacted through the emergency call, can use a defibrillator to restore the heart’s normal rhythm before promptly transporting the patient to the nearest clinic for specialized heart attack care.
In approximately 50% of patients with suspected CHD and angina pectoris symptoms, typical narrowings of the coronary arteries cannot be detected through a cardiac catheter examination. In such cases, the cause of the symptoms often lies in the malfunction of the tiny heart vessels. This condition, known as coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) or microvascular angina, leads to heart pain and reduced patient endurance due to limited blood flow through the small vessels.
Patients with symptoms of microvascular angina often experience significant suffering. Due to the lack of findings in the large coronary arteries, a psychological explanation is occasionally suggested. To ensure appropriate treatment, further diagnostics are necessary to identify the actual cause, specifically potential malfunctions in the small and smallest coronary arteries.
Microvascular angina is more prevalent among women than men due to hormonal differences and variances in heart anatomy, characterized by smaller hearts and vessels. This emphasizes the importance of addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and genetic predispositions with both medication and lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, patients with microvascular angina often encounter a lengthy and frustrating journey in seeking a diagnosis. By the time imaging techniques, such as cardiac ultrasound, MRI, or positron emission tomography/PET, confirm the presence of microvascular angina, patients have often endured significant suffering and limitations in their ability to cope with stress in daily life.
Cardiologist Professor Peter Ong, a renowned expert in the field of microvascular angina, calls for a holistic approach to cardiac blood flow. He criticizes the current focus primarily on the large heart vessels during diagnostics, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the entire cardiovascular system.
In summary, chest pain should never be ignored as it can indicate a heart attack. However, when the cause of the pain remains unknown, it is critical for individuals to remain informed about their health values and be aware of the signs of coronary artery disease. By taking proactive measures and seeking timely medical attention, individuals can help reduce their risk of heart attacks and potentially address underlying issues such as microvascular angina.]
#Unclear #heart #pain