Popular science about angina pectoris, a must-read for middle-aged and elderly friends, you can save yourself at the critical moment!

Angina pectoris is a common disease among the middle-aged and elderly population, which may pose a serious threat to the patient's life. Therefore, it is very important to understand the basic concepts, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and self-help measures of angina pectoris. This article will provide you with popular science knowledge in these aspects, hoping to help you better understand angina pectoris and be able to save yourself at critical moments.

1. Basic concept of angina pectoris

Angina pectoris is a common symptom of coronary heart disease. It is chest pain and discomfort caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart. When the heart needs more blood supply, the constriction or blockage of blood vessels will limit the blood flow to the heart, causing myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. This condition is called angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is usually caused by coronary artery disease, but it may also be caused by other factors, such as anemia, arrhythmia, etc.

2. Symptoms of angina pectoris

Symptoms of angina vary from person to person, but they usually include the following:

Chest pain: This is the most common symptom of angina pectoris. The pain may be located behind the sternum or in front of the heart and may feel like pressure, tightness or burning.

Chest tightness: Chest tightness is a common symptom in patients with angina pectoris, with a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest.

Shortness of breath: Angina may cause difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially during exercise or emotional excitement.

Shoulder and neck pain: Angina can sometimes cause shoulder and neck pain because insufficient blood flow to the heart can cause irritation of nerve endings.

Nausea and sweating: During an angina attack, the patient may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

3. Diagnosis of angina pectoris

Diagnosing angina requires a doctor's determination based on a person's symptoms and physical examination results. Here are some ways to diagnose angina:

Electrocardiogram: An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the heart's electrical activity and helps doctors determine if myocardial ischemia is present.

Exercise testing: This is a procedure that monitors the electrocardiogram and blood pressure during exercise and can help diagnose angina.

Coronary angiography: This is a procedure that involves inserting a catheter into the coronary arteries to check the extent and location of narrowing in the coronary arteries.

Noninvasive imaging techniques, such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, can help doctors examine the structure and function of the heart.

4. Treatment of angina pectoris

Treatments for angina pectoris include medication, interventional therapy, and surgery. Medication is the basis for treating angina pectoris, including antiplatelet drugs, beta-receptor antagonists, nitrates, etc. Interventional therapy, such as percutaneous balloon coronary angioplasty and stent implantation, can relieve coronary artery stenosis and improve myocardial blood supply. Surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, can bypass the narrowed coronary artery segment and provide new blood supply to the myocardium.

5. Prevention of angina pectoris

Ways to prevent angina include improving your lifestyle, controlling risk factors, and adhering to medication. Improving your lifestyle includes quitting smoking, losing weight, controlling your diet, and increasing exercise. Controlling risk factors includes controlling your blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels, and avoiding prolonged stress and anxiety. Adhering to medication can help control the symptoms of angina and prevent attacks.

6. Self-help measures during angina attacks

When angina pectoris occurs, patients can take the following self-help measures:

Stop activity: Immediately stop whatever activity you are doing and take a break.

Sublingual medications: Taking anti-angina drugs such as nitroglycerin or quick-acting heart-saving pills sublingually can help dilate coronary arteries and increase blood supply to the myocardium.

Deep breathing: Deep breathing can relax the body and relieve tension.

Stay calm: Avoid excessive stress and anxiety and try to relax your body and mind.

Seek medical attention: If angina pectoris persists or symptoms worsen, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Through the introduction of this article, I believe you have a deeper understanding of angina pectoris. Please pay attention to your physical condition, seek medical treatment in time and follow the doctor's advice. At the same time, I hope you can adopt a positive lifestyle and healthy habits to prevent the occurrence of angina pectoris.