How Can We Alleviate an Elderly Persons Chest Pain?

As we age, various problems are prone to occur due to the failure of organs in our body. For the elderly, heart disease is the most common issue. If an elderly person experiences chest pain, it is crucial to first determine if they have a history of heart disease. The fastest way to alleviate the pain is to take relevant medications. If the pain persists after medication, immediate medical attention is required.

Chest wall pain manifests as a concentrated pain in a specific location on the chest, with a relatively short duration, typically lasting within five seconds, but with a risk of recurrent attacks. This type of pain often occurs during intense coughing, deep breathing, sneezing, or sudden turns, causing stabbing or severe pain in the chest. Recovery from chest wall pain can take several weeks.

Anxiety-induced chest pain can persist for hours, days, or even years. The location of the pain is often indeterminate. Most patients experience discomfort in the chest, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to cold and heat, shortness of breath, vertigo, cold hands and feet, and even numbness in the lips.

The pain caused by coronary heart disease is pathological and often severe. The pain intensifies during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or exercising and ceases when the activity stops. If an elderly person suspects a heart attack, they should immediately seek medical attention for oxygen therapy. They should also sit or lie down to rest and place a nitroglycerin tablet under their tongue. If the chest pain is caused by pleural disease or pleurisy, a wide abdominal belt can be used to immobilize the painful area, which can help alleviate the pain. An electrocardiogram should be performed immediately, and treatment should be tailored to the underlying cause. Appropriate pain medication may also be prescribed.