Dr. Alexander Myasnikov explains the types of chest pain that are not related to the heart, and explains when to pay attention to chest pain in order to avoid overlooking cases of myocardial infarction.
Dr. Alexander Myasnikov points out that chest pain can manifest in various ways. For example, the problem might stem from acid reflux, where the patient experiences a burning sensation behind the breastbone. In this case, it's advisable to avoid lying down and to refrain from eating certain foods. Panic attacks can also cause unpleasant chest symptoms and can be treated with breathing exercises and visits to a therapist.
Intercostal neuralgia can cause sharp, sudden pain when coughing, inhaling, or sneezing, sometimes accompanied by numbness. To reduce the severity of the pain, it is advisable to avoid sudden movements and use topical anti-inflammatory medications.
The doctor points out that all these symptoms can also coincide with a heart attack. He says, "Why have doctors worldwide moved away from the clinical definition of angina and myocardial infarction? Because it's not the type of pain that matters, but who is experiencing it. For example, 40-45% of women experience atypical symptoms, and they may exhibit all of these symptoms, yet still suffer a myocardial infarction. Sometimes, a person feels nothing at all, but an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows a large scar."
According to Myasnikov, attention should be paid to any pain that raises suspicion, especially in people with high blood pressure, reduced kidney function, or high cholesterol.
He adds: "In foreign hospitals, there are specialized departments for chest pain, where heart problems are diagnosed in about 30% of cases, while 70% of patients suffer from pain or a tingling sensation. Doctors ask about risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, kidney problems and blood pressure, genetics, and unhealthy weight. It turns out that 10% of them are suffering from a panic attack and leave, while the remaining 60% undergo cholesterol and sugar level tests, in addition to tests to detect heart problems using special enzymes secreted from dead heart muscle called troponin, which are considered indicators of acute heart muscle damage. But the problem is that these enzymes may start to rise after eight hours, or even after a whole day."
Myasnikov emphasizes that heartburn should not be ignored, as there have been cases later diagnosed as severe angina. He adds, "There are many causes of chest pain, including tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism (which is accompanied by shortness of breath and palpitations), heartburn, intercostal neuralgia, and others."
Therefore, the doctor emphasizes the need to not ignore the warning signs and to consult a doctor immediately, as this may save the life of the injured person.
