Acute Heart Diseases
Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get as much blood as it needs. This usually happens when the coronary blood vessel is narrowed or blocked.
Signs and Symptoms
(1) Chest discomfort may appear after a lot of physical exertion.
(2) The pain lasts for a short time, usually 3-5 minutes.
(3) The typical pain of angina is in the chest but it can often radiate to the shoulder, neck, jaw, teeth and upper back.
Treatment
(1) Let the patient sit down and rest.
(2) Give high-concentration oxygen to the patient (if available).
(3) If the patient is on medication for angina (Nitroglycerin), help him put the pill under his tongue.
(4) Send the patient to hospital immediately.
Myocardial Infarction
The signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction are similar to those of angina pectoris. Pain is more severe and persists for 10 minutes or even 1 to 2 hours, causing a severe damage to the heart muscle. This will result in low blood pressure, congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema. Complications such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (arrhythmia) are common.
Signs and Symptoms
(1) Severe chest pain, which causes a feeling of tightness and oppressiveness.
(2) Neither rest nor nitroglycerin can help ease the pain.
(3) Shortness of breath, bradycardia and drop in blood pressure.
Treatment
(1) Take care of the patient in the way a patient with angina pectoris is treated.
(2) Send the patient to hospital immediately.
(3) If the patient becomes unconscious, maintain his airway clear. Use CPR and AED to save the patient if there is no heartbeat.