Question

Mr. Thomas is a 62-year-old man who has been diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction with the following symptoms and history. His chief complaint is a persistent, crushing chest pain that radiates to his left arm, jaw, neck, and shoulder blade. He describes the pain, which he has had for the past 12 hours, as a squeezing sensation around his heart. He also reports nausea and dyspnea. He has a low-grade temperature, and his blood pressure is within a normal range at 130/82. He states that he smokes two packs of cigarettes a day, is overweight by 50 pounds, and has a family history of hypertension and coronary heart disease. He leads a relatively sedentary life style

1.What is the common name for Mr. Thomas’scondition? Look this condition up in areference source and include a short description of it.
2. What does the phrase "chief complaint" mean?
3. What is the medical term for this patients chief complaint? Define
4. List and define each of the patients additonal symptoms
5. Name and describe three diagnostic tests that may be performed to determine the extent of the patients heart damage
6. What risk factors for developing heart disease does Mr Thomas have? what changed should he make?

Answer 1

1. Angina pectoris : Ischemic pain in the heart which may radiate to the arms, neck, jaws and shoulder blade.

2.The chief complaint is a concise statement describing the symptom, problem, condition, diagnosis, physician-recommended return, or other reason for a medical encounter. In some instances, the nature of a patient's chief complaint may determine if services are covered by medical or vision insurance.

3.Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina (an-JIE-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina, which may also be called angina pectoris, is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest.

4.a. Nausea: Nausea is stomach discomfort and the sensation of wanting to vomit.

b. Dyspnea: Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath, sometimes described as “air hunger.” It is an uncomfortable feeling. Shortness of breath can range from mild and temporary to serious and long-lasting.

5.a. Electrocardiogram (EKG): Records electrical activity of the heart and can detect when the heart is starved of oxygen.

b.Blood tests: These check fat, cholesterol, sugar, and protein levels.

c.Coronary angiography: Dye and special X-rays to show the inside of coronary arteries.

6. Risk factors include:

unhealthy cholesterol levels

high blood pressure

tobacco smoking

diabetes

being overweight or obese

metabolic syndrome

sedentary lifestyle

being over 45 years of age for men and over 55 years of age for women

a family history of early heart disease

Angina can be prevented by changing lifestyle factors and by treating related conditions that exacerbate or contribute to angina symptoms. To prevent or delay angina, eat healthfully, quit smoking, be physically active, and learn how to handle stress.

Also, make sure to receive proper treatment for high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.