Early Detection of Coronary Heart Disease: A Modern Family Doctor's Guide
Overview
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This article delves into the early warning signs of CHD, providing a comprehensive guide for both healthcare professionals and individuals at risk.
Early Warning Signs of Coronary Heart Disease
1. Sudden Tinnitus
For individuals over 55, sudden onset of tinnitus may signal the early stages of CHD or other cardiovascular diseases. Persistent tinnitus in the elderly, especially if it worsens recently, should raise concern.
2. Earlobe Creases
The appearance of creases or "coronary grooves" on the earlobes, accompanied by chest pain, palpitations, and precordial pain, may indicate an impending CHD.
3. Unexplained Fatigue
Initially, fatigue may occur during physical activity or climbing stairs. As it progresses, it can become pervasive, even affecting the ability to straighten the body. This could be a risk factor for sudden CHD.
4. Shortness of Breath
Experiencing shortness of breath, prolonged breathing, or rapid breathing that subsides after a few minutes of rest but recurs upon standing may be a sign of CHD.
5. Palpitations and Heart Palpitations
An increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat in the elderly can be an early sign of CHD.
6. Dizziness and Syncope
Frequent episodes of dizziness or vertigo may indicate early CHD.
7. Unusual Sensations
Unusual sensations in the body may signal an impending CHD attack.
8. Abdominal Discomfort
Feeling of bloating, fullness, or occasional dull or sharp pain, burning sensation, nausea, and vomiting, which may be relieved by antacids, hiccups, or defecation but not completely, could be a sign of CHD.
9. Lower Tooth Pain
Pain in one or more teeth, primarily in the neck, that does not respond to painkillers may be a peculiar sign of CHD. Studies have shown that having more than five missing teeth increases the risk of CHD, myocardial infarction, diabetes, and mortality.
10. Arm and Shoulder Pain
Pain in the left shoulder or arm, spreading to the right arm, or affecting the wrist, abdomen, and back, without a clear cause, may indicate CHD.
11. Leg Pain
Calf pain with radiation and cramps, after excluding other causes like phlebitis or neuritis, may suggest CHD.
12. Exercise-Induced Headaches
Persistent headaches during exercise that disappear after rest may indicate hidden CHD.
13. Rapid Hair Loss
Sudden hair loss or baldness in middle-aged and young men should be considered a risk factor for CHD.
14. Weight Fluctuations
Sudden weight gain or loss may be a sign of CHD.
15. Senile Rings
The presence of 1-2mm wide grayish cloudy rings at the edge of the black eye near the white of the eye can be an early sign of CHD.
16. Handback Sign
If veins bulge when the hand is extended and then tilted 45 degrees, and remain visible when the hand is raised 45 degrees, it may indicate CHD and possible heart failure.
17. Cold Hands and Feet
Persistent cold hands and feet, regardless of season or gender, may be a symptom of heart disease and diabetes.
18. Excessive Hair in the External Auditory Canal
Men with prominent hair growth in the external auditory canal have a 90% chance of having CHD.
19. Chronic Snoring
Chronic snoring, particularly in women, may increase the risk of CHD.
20. Feeling of Obstruction
A sensation of being obstructed in the throat or neck may indicate CHD.
Additional Considerations
Recurrent hiccups may be a sign of stroke, especially in individuals with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, CHD, or arteriosclerosis. Persistent hiccups, accompanied by limb weakness, speech impairment, or confusion, should prompt immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Early detection of CHD is vital for effective management. Individuals experiencing any of the above signs should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment. Regular health check-ups and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle are crucial in preventing and managing CHD.