Associated symptoms
As it is often difficult to judge when it is necessary to consult a doctor in the case of heart pain, the following points should be given special attention, as the pain in the heart area as described above can also have serious causes that need to be clarified or treated urgently by the doctor. If the pain in the chest area is persistent, increasing or frequently reoccurring and is associated with a strong feeling of tightness or radiating to other parts of the upper body, a doctor should be consulted. Also, if the heart pain intensifies under stress or if there is a severe drop in performance, weakness or even clouding of consciousness, this should be clarified immediately.
Furthermore, if the patient breathes involuntarily fast over 20 breaths per minute at rest, there is a risk of heart disease. If the heart rate is more than 100 or less than 40 beats per minute, if the blood pressure rises above 200 mmHg or falls below 100 mmHg, caution is also advised. In addition, heart pain associated with symptoms such as blue lips, cold pale hands and feet, cold sweat, fever, nausea and vomiting may indicate danger. Especially if several of these symptoms occur simultaneously and suddenly, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
In order to find out whether the diagnosis of heart pain is really a problem of the heart, various examinations can be made. First of all, it is very important to talk to the treating physician, as he or she can learn more about the type, intensity and duration of the pain and thus guide the examination towards the presumed diagnosis. Afterwards, an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography), through which structural changes of the heart can be depicted, an ECG to show the excitation conduction and a blood sample with determination of the laboratory values of the heart are particularly helpful.
In unclear cases, a CT or MRI of the heart can also be performed. The electrical excitation in the heart is so to speak the pacemaker for the beating of the heart. The excitation is perceived by measuring the voltage on the skin and displayed in the ECG (electrocardiogram).
Depending on which cells are excited and thus activated, rashes occur in the ECG. If cells or the excitation lead of the heart are damaged, deviations from the normal ECG recording occur. The ECG can be used to draw conclusions about the underlying problem of the heart.
In principle, the long-term ECG works like the normal ECG. The difference is that the measurements are usually taken over 24 hours, but at fewer measurement points. Thus, the electrical excitation of the heart can be followed over a whole day.
In this way, cardiac arrhythmias in particular, which may not be permanent, can be easily detected. In addition, it becomes clear in which moments of everyday life functional disturbances of the heart occur more frequently. The treatment of all heart diseases usually begins with a reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
This often involves weight reduction, physical training, avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and, in the case of diabetics, the correct blood sugar setting. and How can you prevent a heart attack? In the case of an acute heart attack, nitrospray is usually given to dilate the vessels, painkillers, oxygen, aspirin and heparin to prevent further occlusion of the vessel by blood cells.
A cardiac catheter examination should be performed as soon as possible to open the occluded vessel. In the further course and also in coronary artery disease, i.e. a partial occlusion of the coronary vessels by calcifications, drugs such as aspirin are prescribed to prevent further occlusion. In addition, for most heart diseases it is helpful to adjust blood pressure, which is possible with beta blockers or ACE inhibitors.
Furthermore, blood lipids can be lowered, for which statins are preferred. If heart failure or water retention occurs, draining medications, the so-called diuretics, are useful. If cardiac arrhythmia occurs, antiarrhythmic drugs such as beta blockers or amiodarone can be given.
For heart pain some home remedies can help. It is very important to ensure a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet, as sumptuous or bloated meals often make heart pain worse. Smoking and high alcohol consumption should also be avoided.
If the complaints occur particularly with physical or mental load, rest or relaxation exercises often help.It can also be helpful to reduce general stress and do exercises like yoga or Pilates. If the pain occurs in a certain position, for example lying down, it should be changed slowly. Homeopathy is especially helpful for heart pain caused by stress, or for pain that is not caused by heart disease.
Natural medicine can provide beneficial recipes containing, for example, valerian, arnica, lemon balm, hawthorn blossom or rosemary. These ingredients can also be prepared in teas. Especially in the case of pain with a muscular cause, osteopathy can relieve tension and ease the pain. and homeopathy for heart stumbles
