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Walk headache: an unusual manifestation of ischemic heart disease
Headache
|June 1, 1989
Insights
Effort-induced headaches in a 71-year-old man were linked to myocardial ischemia. Treatment with isosorbide dinitrate and diltiazem improved symptoms, suggesting cardiac origin for the head pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Headaches can be a symptom of various underlying conditions.
- Myocardial ischemia, or reduced blood flow to the heart, typically presents with chest pain but can manifest atypically.
Abstract:
A 71 year old man sought neurological advice because for two years he had suffered from headache every time he made an effort. A treadmill stress test showed a relation between effort, headache and depression of ST segments on E.C.G. With isosorbide dinitrate and diltiazem, the manifestations improved. This suggests a referred head pain due to myocardial ischemia.