Knowing the Characteristics of Sitting Wind and Its Differences from Heart Attack, Similar but Not the Same

Kapanlagi.com - Sudden chest pain often triggers panic, especially if the pain is felt on the left side. Many people immediately associate it with a heart attack, but did you know that it could be caused by angina? Although these two conditions have similar symptoms, the differences between them are quite significant and very important to recognize for proper treatment.

Angina, which is medically known as angina pectoris, occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is restricted due to narrowing or blockage in the coronary blood vessels. On the other hand, a heart attack occurs when the heart arteries are completely blocked, resulting in the heart muscle lacking oxygen and being at risk of permanent damage.

So, how can we distinguish between angina and a heart attack? What are the characteristics and causes? Let's take a look at the complete explanation summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Monday (10/2).

1. What is Sitting Wind and Its Causes?

Sitting wind is a condition where the heart muscle does not receive enough blood supply due to a blockage in the blood vessels. Some of the main factors causing this condition include:

• Narrowing or blockage of the coronary blood vessels due to the accumulation of fat or plaque in the arteries.
• High cholesterol that accelerates the formation of plaque in the blood vessels.
• High blood pressure (hypertension) that increases the workload of the heart and accelerates damage to the blood vessels.
• Diabetes that affects the elasticity of blood vessels and worsens blood circulation.
• Stress that causes hormonal spikes and triggers sudden narrowing of blood vessels.
• Smoking that worsens the condition of blood vessels and reduces the oxygen levels in the blood.

Sitting wind can occur in three types, namely:

• Stable angina: Usually occurs due to physical activity and improves after rest.
• Unstable angina: Can occur at any time, even at rest, and has the potential to lead to a heart attack.
• Variant angina (Prinzmetal): Caused by spasms of the coronary arteries that temporarily inhibit blood flow.

"Sitting wind, also known as angina, is a disease that occurs due to a disruption in the supply of oxygen and blood flow to the heart muscle. The hallmark symptom of this disease is chest pain that can interfere with daily activities," writes the website halodoc.com.

2. Characteristics of Angina that Need to be Known

Angina has several characteristic symptoms that need to be watched out for, including:

• Chest pain that feels like being pressed or squeezed.
• Discomfort in the chest that can radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw, and back.
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
• The body feels weak even without heavy activity.
• Nausea or dizziness that comes suddenly.
• Cold sweat without a clear reason.

Pain from angina usually lasts 3 to 15 minutes and will improve after resting or taking nitrate medication. If the pain does not improve after 15 minutes, seek medical help immediately as it can be a sign of a heart attack.

3. Differences Between Angina and Heart Attack

Although the symptoms are similar, there are some fundamental differences between angina and a heart attack:

• The main cause of angina is the narrowing of blood vessels that impedes blood flow, while a heart attack occurs due to total blockage that results in permanent oxygen deprivation to the heart muscle.
• Chest pain in angina usually feels like being pressed and occurs during physical activity, while pain from a heart attack is more severe, can happen at any time, and is often accompanied by extreme tightness.
• The duration of angina pain generally lasts only a few minutes and improves after resting, whereas heart attack pain can last longer and worsen over time.
• Angina can subside with nitrate medication, while a heart attack does not improve even after taking medication.
• A heart attack is likely to cause permanent damage to the heart, while angina rarely causes damage if treated promptly.

If you experience chest pain that does not improve after resting or worsens, contact emergency services for immediate medical assistance.

4. How to Overcome and Prevent Angina

The management of angina depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some steps that can be taken include:

First Aid When Experiencing Angina

• Immediately stop any activity and sit comfortably.
• Take nitrate medication as prescribed by a doctor to help relax the blood vessels.
• Take deep breaths and try to stay calm to reduce pressure on the heart.
• If the pain does not improve within 10-15 minutes, seek medical assistance immediately.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Angina

• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol. Adopt a healthy diet by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and low saturated fat foods.
• Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes a day to maintain heart health.
• Manage stress effectively through meditation, yoga, or calming activities.
• Get regular health check-ups, especially if there is a family history of heart disease.

If angina worsens, the doctor may recommend the placement of a heart stent or coronary bypass surgery to improve blood flow to the heart.

5. When to See a Doctor?

See a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Chest pain that does not improve even after resting.
• Severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Chest pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or cold sweat.
• If symptoms occur suddenly, call emergency services for medical assistance immediately.

6. FAQ About Angin Duduk

Q: Can angin duduk be completely cured?

A: Angin duduk cannot be completely cured, but it can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and medications.

Q: How can you differentiate angin duduk from regular wind illness?

A: Regular wind illness is usually accompanied by bloating and chills, while angin duduk causes chest pain and shortness of breath.

Q: Can angin duduk lead to death?

A: If not treated, angin duduk can progress to a heart attack, which is potentially fatal.

(kpl/rmt)