Bombay Hospital Journal ContentsHomeArchivesSearchBooksFeedback


Home > Table of Contents > Symptoms/Sign/Obsolete/Evergreen/New
 
 
Symptoms/Sign/Obsolete/Evergreen/New
 
Dyspnoea as a Complaint of Ischaemic Heart Patient
O P Kapoor
 

n the past, when a patient of angina or myocardial infarction mentioned that he had slight difficulty in breathing during the attack, I ignored this symptom. Since the last 2-3 years, I am concentrating on this symptom.

My observations are as follows:

  1. Often a patient having angina also complains of slight difficulty in breathing during exertion. Apart from that, some patients complain of only dyspnoea on exertion and not chest discomfort. This symptom should be investigated and treated just like angina.
  2. Along with pain of myocardial infarction, often the patient complains of slight difficulty in breathing. This symptom often subsides along with the pain. It is possible that these patients may develop a severe attack of dyspnoea after few hours, because of left ventricular failure and such patients should be treated accordingly.

Dyspnoea observed during angina and myocardial infarction is caused by transient myocardial dyskinetic segments of the heart.
 

RISK OF STROKE AFTER TIA OR MINOR STROKE IS UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH

The early risk of stroke after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is much higher than commonly quoted. If the maximum recommended time for clinic appointment - two weeks - recommended by the British guidelines is followed, say the authors, a considerable number of patients will have a stroke; patients should be seen within the first few hours or days.

BMJ, 2004; 328 : 326.

INDIAN STUDENTS USE TOBACCO DENTIFRICE

Although tobacco products are prohibited in India for use as a dentrifice, 6-68% of students aged 13-15 still use them. Sinha and colleagues surveyed the use of tobacco products as dentifrice in 14 states of India. Tobacco toothpaste and tooth powder were commonly reported in all states, but usage varied widely: 6% of students in Goa - and 68% in Bihar-used these products, probably because of the misconception that tobacco is good for the teeth. Differences between the sexes were minimal and similar to those reported globally.

BMJ, 2004; 328 : 323.