Cardiac neuralgia

Dec 03, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Xin

Introduction

Symptoms of cardiac neuralgia may be caused by intercostal neuralgia, angina pectoris, cardiac neurosis, acute myocardial infarction, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Intercostal neuralgia commonly occurs in the chest and abdomen, and sometimes appears in the left chest, leading patients to mistakenly believe it is angina pectoris. The pain of intercostal neuralgia is typically paroxysmal or persistent, with a stabbing quality, often accompanied by a burning sensation.

　　1. Intercostal Neuralgia

　　Intercostal neuralgia commonly occurs in the chest and abdomen and sometimes appears in the left chest, leading patients to mistakenly believe it is angina. This type of pain is typically paroxysmal or persistent, with a stabbing quality, often accompanied by a burning sensation. The pain may radiate to surrounding areas and worsens with stimuli such as deep breathing or coughing. Intercostal neuralgia is primarily associated with conditions like intercostal neuritis, thoracic vertebral fractures, or dislocations.

　　2. Angina Pectoris

　　The pain of angina is usually described as oppressive or dull and most commonly occurs behind the sternum, possibly extending to the precordial area, spanning a palm-width across the front of the chest with poorly defined boundaries. It often radiates to the left shoulder, inner side of the left arm, reaching the ring and little fingers, as well as the neck, pharynx, and jaw. Characteristic features include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxious expression, cold skin, or sweating. Patients may speak indistinctly and mistake angina for other types of chest discomfort.

　　3. Cardiac Neurosis

　　Pain typically occurs in the cardiac apex region, beneath the left breast, or below the chest. The main symptoms are sharp, needle-like, or knife-cutting pain, which may disappear within minutes but can also persist for several days. In addition to pain, patients may experience palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, dizziness, and frequent urination.

　　4. Acute Myocardial Infarction

　　Acute myocardial infarction is a severe condition caused by blockage of the coronary arteries leading to death of part of the heart muscle. Its primary symptom is intense chest pain. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Procedures such as catheterization may be performed under the guidance of a specialist physician.

　　5. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

　　Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease results from lipid plaques in the coronary arteries, which may lead to insufficient blood supply to the heart, thereby causing symptoms resembling cardiac neuralgia. Treatments may include procedures such as coronary stent implantation.

　　If experiencing cardiac neuralgia, individuals should promptly visit a hospital for examination to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment.

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