Key result
Patients with myocardial infarction reported more nausea (46% vs 32%) and vomiting (19% vs 2%), while those with unstable angina reported more chest discomfort (97% vs 87%).
Why the study?
Do the symptoms experienced by patients with unstable angina differ from those experienced by patients with myocardial infarction?
Cross-Sectional (n=338)
Yes
Do the symptoms experienced by patients with unstable angina differ from those experienced by patients with myocardial infarction?
Patients with MI and UA present with distinct symptom profiles, with MI patients experiencing more gastrointestinal and autonomic symptoms, and UA patients reporting more frequent chest, neck, and hand discomfort.
Symptom differences may aid differentiation; leaves open whether profiles improve diagnostic accuracy in prospective ACS cohorts.
The purpose of this study was to examine whether the symptoms experienced by patients with unstable angina (UA) differed from the symptoms experienced by patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Data were obtained from two studies: one examining the symptoms of MI (n=238) and one examining the symptoms of UA (n=100). Interviews were conducted after hospital admission at three medical centers in the Midwest. There were no differences between patients with MI or UA in age, gender, or race. The patients experiencing MI reported significantly more nausea (46% vs. 32%), vomiting (19% vs. 2%), indigestion (42% vs. 16%), and fainting (9% vs. 2%). The patients experiencing UA reported significantly more chest discomfort (97% vs. 87%), lightheadedness (52% vs. 39%), numbness in the hands (43% vs. 28%), and neck discomfort (31% vs. 13%). Patients with MI rated the peak intensity of the chest discomfort higher than patients with UA (mean 8.4 vs. mean 7.7).
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DeVon et al. (2004) conducted a cross-sectional in Unstable angina and myocardial infarction (n=338). Myocardial infarction vs. Unstable angina was evaluated on Differences in symptoms experienced. Patients with myocardial infarction reported more nausea (46% vs 32%) and vomiting (19% vs 2%), while those with unstable angina reported more chest discomfort (97% vs 87%).
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