Chest wall and pleuritic pain increases with inspiration and is localised to a small area. Pain is usually described as a sharp, stabbing sensation which is relieved by sitting up and leaning forward. Pericarditis, a complication of myocardial infarction can also present with similar symptoms.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux commonly causes angina-like pain due to heartburn. However, pain is …show more content…
Additionally, thyroid, connective tissue and neoplastic disorders can all effect cardiac function.
Vasodilators, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are associated with prior heart disease and cardiogenic risk factors such as hypertension.
Oedema alone does not signify heart disease as it has many causes. In order to improve the diagnostic power of oedema as a sign of heart failure vasodilating drugs should be excluded as they can lead to oedema. Bilateral, pitting ankle oedema with no pain or redness in the absence of vasodilating drugs, is an important symptom of cardiac diseases such as biventricular or right ventricular failure. Vasodilators can also be responsible for syncope. Likewise, medications may be responsible for dyspnoea in the patient.
Cocaine, amphetamines, excess caffeine, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can initiate tachycardic and bradycardic sinus rhythms and palpitations. In high doses they are potentially cardiotoxic and can result in myocardial infarction. Many cytotoxic medications can also lead to