Patient's question:
During this time, Grandpa often felt a deep sense of heartache. At first, he only felt a bit of pain, a faint sense of discomfort. The frequency of the pain gradually increased, becoming more noticeable. Is the chest pain a sign of heart disease?Doctor's answer:
Coronary heart disease often causes angina, which typically results in chest pain. Sometimes, the pain may recur below the sternum, directly below the center of the chest. This cannot be ruled out as angina. It is recommended to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for myocardial ischemia. The best approach is to undergo coronary angiography to examine any narrowed blood vessels. An ultrasound scan should be conducted, and after a definitive diagnosis is made, medication treatment can be initiated. The diet should be light and balanced, avoiding foods that may exacerbate symptoms.Pain accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or palpitations is believed to be a sign of heart disease. Oral medications can be taken to stabilize blood supply to the heart muscle, while symptoms should be closely monitored for stability. If symptoms significantly improve after medication treatment, a diagnosis of coronary heart disease can be confirmed. Further tests, such as an ECG or a 24-hour Holter monitor, may be necessary to clarify the diagnosis and provide targeted treatment based on the underlying cause.