Characterizing chest pain in patients with acute coronary syndrome at Vietnam National Heart Institute: a
Lan Anh Nguyen1, Nhat Minh Pham2, Manh Hung Pham2
1Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Hanoi Medical University - Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bachmai Hospital.
Insights
Chest pain features differ between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-ACS patients. Identifying specific symptoms like radiation, tightness, and triggers can aid early diagnosis and public awareness of heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Chest pain is a common symptom with diverse etiologies.
- Distinguishing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from other causes of chest pain is critical for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate chest pain characteristics in patients with and without ACS.
- To identify key features that may aid in the early recognition of ACS.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- A structured chest pain assessment questionnaire was utilized to collect data on pain characteristics.
Main Results:
- Risk factors for ACS-related chest pain included smoking, prior heart attack, and family history of cardiovascular disease.
- Non-ACS chest pain was typically mild, central or left-sided, activity-induced, and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
- ACS-related chest pain often presented as radiating to the back, severe tightness, gradual onset, occurring at rest, and accompanied by sweating. No significant sex differences were observed.
Conclusions:
- Specific chest pain features such as radiation, pressure, symptom escalation, duration, activity triggers, and relief patterns are crucial for differentiating ACS.
- Enhanced public awareness and targeted educational resources focusing on these symptom nuances can improve ACS recognition and management.
Objective:
This study aimed to distinguish chest pain characteristics between patients with and without acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at Vietnam National Heart Institute.
Methods:
A case-control study using a structured chest pain assessment questionnaire was performed to examine pain characteristics.
Results:
Smoking, a history of heart attack, and a family history of cardiovascular disease were associated with increased ACS-related chest pain risk. Patients without ACS more frequently reported left or central chest pain, mild discomfort, pain triggered by activity, and relief with rest or nitroglycerin. ACS-related chest pain was more often characterized by pain radiating to the back, a sensation of tightness or severe discomfort, gradual intensity increase, occurrence at rest or with minimal exertion, and accompanying sweating. No significant sex differences were found in ACS-related chest pain symptoms.
Conclusions:
Targeted assessment of chest pain features-such as pain radiation, pressure sensation, symptom escalation, duration, activity triggers, and relief factors-could improve public awareness and support the development of educational resources on ACS and non-ACS symptoms.
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