a A male patient describing angina pectoris: It's like a tightness across my (1). (2). (4). , and it goes up my (3). and (5). left and into my the left (6). b A male patient describing renal colic: It starts (1). (2). the loin and goes into the into the testicle. and (3).
Angina pectoris is a symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when the coronary arteries become narrow or blocked. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, causing chest pain or discomfort. The tightness across the chest is caused by the inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle.
The discomfort can also radiate to the neck because the nerves that supply the chest and neck regions are connected. Similarly, the pain can travel down the left arm because the nerves supplying this area are also connected to the same nerve pathways.
Sometimes, the pain can also be felt in the jaw. This is because the nerves supplying the heart and jaw have overlapping connections. This is why people who experience angina pectoris may feel pain in different areas of the upper body.
To manage angina pectoris, it is important for the patient to take prescribed medications as directed by their doctor. These medications may include nitroglycerin, which helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are important in reducing the risk and frequency of angina episodes.
b A male patient describing renal colic: The pain starts in the back or loin area (1). It is a sharp, intense pain that can be quite severe (2). The pain then travels downward into the groin or testicle area (3).
Renal colic refers to the pain caused by the passage of a kidney stone through the urinary tract. When a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder), it can cause intense pain. The pain typically starts in the lower back or loin area because this is where the kidney is located.
The pain is often described as sharp and intense, similar to a sudden cramp. This is because the kidney stone irritates the lining of the ureter, causing muscle spasms and obstructing the flow of urine.
As the kidney stone continues to move down the urinary tract, the pain can radiate or spread into the groin or testicle area. This occurs because the nerves supplying these areas are connected to the same nerve pathways as the kidney.
To manage renal colic, medical treatment may be required. This can include pain medications to alleviate the discomfort and medications to help relax the muscles of the ureter, facilitating the passage of the kidney stone. In some cases, if the stone is large or causing severe symptoms, medical procedures such as lithotripsy (using shock waves to break up the stone) or surgery may be necessary. It is also essential to increase fluid intake to promote urine flow, as well as make dietary modifications to prevent the formation of new kidney stones.