Chest Pain: The Right Reflexes In 5 Questions
Any chest pain is a symptom that should alert you. Indeed, some pains located in this area are a sign of a cardiac or vascular problem. We will explain to you, in 5 questions, how to recognize a cardiovascular problem and what the right reflexes are in case of an emergency.
1- How to tell if chest pain is muscular or cardiac in origin?
Among the pains located in the thorax and chest area, it is important to distinguish those that are muscular in origin from those potentially related to a cardiac or vascular problem. Even though all these pains may require medical consultation, they obviously do not have the same degree of urgency.
To differentiate between these two types of symptoms, remember that:
• muscular pains are generally localized and worsen with movement, coughing, or deep breathing. They can be triggered by pressure on the affected area.
• cardiac pains appear suddenly and are often accompanied by a sensation of constriction or tightness. They are sometimes associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, a feeling of fatigue, or nausea and vomiting.
2- What are the symptoms to be aware of in a man or a woman?
In case of chest pain, certain symptoms should alert you and prompt you to call for help immediately. It is also important to know that the symptoms of a heart problem are not the same in men and women.
In men, chest pain is often felt as a tightening vise. This crushing sensation in the chest is strong and constant. Its intensity does not vary with breathing.
In women, cardiovascular problems manifest as a more general feeling of pressure, sometimes located slightly lower than in men. They can present with various symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, sharp stomach pain, or a feeling of exhaustion. The pain is less intense and may be accompanied by breathing discomfort.
3- What is the first thing to do in case of chest pain?
In case of sudden chest pain, the right reflex is to dial 15. When a person exhibits the symptoms previously described, it is vital to react quickly. Indeed, only the rapid intervention of emergency services can limit the risks of potentially fatal complications.
In women, heart attack symptoms are often mistaken for simple gastric pain, so the victim or those around her delay contacting 15. This is why women who suffer from cardiovascular problems are generally treated later than men. However, it should be noted that this delay in treatment reduces their chances of survival and leads to more significant after-effects.
In both women and men, chest pain is a symptom that must be taken seriously. It is a warning sign that should prompt you to call emergency services without delay.
Note: it is imperative to call 15 if the chest pain is accompanied by sweating, a feeling of discomfort, or loss of consciousness. These are warning signs of a myocardial infarction.
4- What are the possible causes of chest pain?
In cases of chest pain, the Samu Regulation Center (15) systematically dispatches emergency services because this symptom may indicate an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
This medical term refers to the narrowing or obstruction of the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply the heart. An acute coronary syndrome can lead to fatal complications, as it can develop into a myocardial infarction or aortic dissection.
In the event of sudden chest pain, do not hesitate to call for emergency services within the first few minutes following the onset of the pain. After an initial exchange with the regulation assistant, you will be connected to a doctor who will ask specific questions to distinguish a cardiovascular problem from a simple muscular or intercostal pain.
After assessing the patient's condition, the doctor may send firefighters to perform an electrocardiogram at home or the SMUR, the mobile emergency and resuscitation units. While waiting for the arrival of emergency services, the victim should also be put at rest.
5- What actions should be avoided in case of chest pain?
If you experience chest pain, you should not go to the emergency room alone. You should especially not drive because you might have a malaise during the trip.
When faced with someone complaining of this type of pain, you must call 15 before doing anything else. Do not accompany the person to the emergency room yourself without first contacting the Samu regulation center.
Only this center can direct the patient to the most suitable hospital, equipped with the necessary equipment for their care. Indeed, not all hospitals are equipped to perform a coronary angiography, the medical imaging technique that allows visualization and unblocking of the coronary arteries.
