What Are the Key Differences in Distinguishing Acute Myocardial Infarction from Angina Pectoris?

Acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris are common heart diseases in the elderly. Angina pectoris is generally caused by long-term depression, physical overexertion, and irregular work and rest. Typically, angina pectoris is manifested as severe chest pain and does not lead to death. However, acute myocardial infarction is caused by factors such as sudden cardiac arrest or blood vessel occlusion. During an attack, patients may experience shock and coma, and even death.

1. Angina pectoris usually has almost no symptoms in the early stage. When angina pectoris occurs, there will be severe knife-like pain, accompanied by fever, sweating, cold and damp skin, chest tightness, irritability, and other symptoms. In severe cases, shock may occur. However, the duration of angina pectoris is relatively short, usually three to five minutes, so the possibility of shock is relatively small, unless it occurs in elderly or frail patients.

2. Myocardial infarction is also known as acute myocardial infarction. Two weeks before the onset of myocardial infarction, patients usually experience fatigue, mild chest pain, and chest tightness as precursors. The duration of myocardial infarction is relatively long, and the pain is more severe than angina pectoris, such as crushing pain. However, fortunately, the incidence of myocardial infarction is relatively low.

3. When angina pectoris occurs, it usually relieves or reduces the pain by resting or taking medication. However, when myocardial infarction occurs, even if the patient rests or takes medication, the pain usually cannot be relieved. Therefore, when myocardial infarction occurs, in addition to resting, it is necessary to call 120 for rescue.

Improper diet, excessive intake of greasy and rich food, or excessive smoking and drinking can lead to spleen and stomach damage, dysfunction of transportation and transformation, accumulation of dampness and formation of phlegm. Additionally, poor appetite due to certain diseases in the elderly can also lead to chest congestion mentioned in the first point, which can further cause angina pectoris.