Listen to your body: 5 types of pain signalling heart issues

Listen to your body: 5 types of pain signalling heart issues

Mangalore Today News Network

April 12, 2024: When it comes to heart health, paying attention to the signals your body sends is crucial. Often, pain can be an indicator of underlying issues, including heart disease.

Dr Brajesh Kumar Mishra, Intervention Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, talked about how various types of pain can hint at potential heart problems.

 

According to Dr Mishra, pain in the centre of the chest or left-sided chest pain radiating to the left arm, jaw or back should raise concerns.

This pain is typically dull and may be accompanied by sweating or feelings of uneasiness. "Patients might also experience breathlessness, which could indicate an underlying cardiac issue," he told.

However, Dr Mishra said that not all cases present with the classic symptoms of angina or chest pain, especially in people with long-standing diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

This pain is typically dull and may be accompanied by sweating, perspiration, or feelings of uneasiness.

Instead, they may exhibit symptoms such as breathing difficulties, restlessness, or even upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and giddiness.

"It’s important not to ignore these atypical symptoms," Dr Mishra warned. "If you experience any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly."

If the pain matches the described symptoms, people should contact a cardiologist immediately for an electrocardiogram (ECG) evaluation. Even if the ECG does not show immediate changes, persistent symptoms should be further investigated.

"In cases where there are changes in the ECG or symptoms indicative of cardiac pain, medications like disprin tablets or Sorbitrate 5 mg may provide relief," said Dr Mishra.

However, he stressed the importance of not self-medicating, added that these medications should only be taken under medical supervision.

In the event of a heart attack indicated by the ECG, Dr Mishra highlighted the necessity of coronary angiography and revascularisation (treatments that restore blood flow to parts of your heart when that flow is limited or blocked) as the ideal course of action.

Understanding the various types of pain associated with heart disease can be instrumental in early detection and prompt treatment.

Courtesy: India Today