Diagnosis of angina pectoris

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis include:

  1. Infarction of the myocardis. In the infarction, the pain lasts longer, could come regardless of physical exertion, and is not affected by nitroglycerine.
    Arterial pressure may fall to the point of causing the patient to collapse, and after 24-48 hours, the patient may experience fever. Blood tests are altered, all parameters increase.
    In contrast to angina, once the pain has subsided, the symptoms are still visible in the EcG and in fact show an evolution (worsening) of the disease.
  2. Heart neurosis. This is characterized by a stabbing pain, and localized at the very peak of the heart (like, right on top). The patient is most likely to point at the region of pain, rather than gesture using their palm. These types of neurosis affect mostly pubescent women.
  3. Paroxysmal tachycardia. In these cases, the patients first experience the increased heart rate, and then the pain.
  4. Acute pericarditis.
  5. Left Scapulohumeral Arthritis.
  6. Neuritis of the left brachial plexus.
  7. Intercostal neuralgia.
  8. Ulcer disease
  9. Other typical diseases etc.

Patients experiencing such symptoms should immediately refer to a doctor, regardless of the severity of the pain.
Upon experience of the pain, they are advised to take nitroglycerine, even if they suspect they may be feeling pain.

In 50% of cases experiencing such pain result in death, hence the warning.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 24 Jan 2018
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi