Abstract
Myocardial ischemia usually results in typical anginal chest pain, but cardiac pain can occasionally only be referred to regions outside the thorax. Headache, however, is a very unusual expression of myocardial ischemia. Thus, the correct diagnosis of «cardiac headache» is difficult and requires a high dose of suspicion, but it can be crucial to avoid possible life-threatening events. The type and site of headache are not specific, but an episodic occurrence. A short duration and a relationship with exercise or emotional triggers should alert physicians on the possible cardiac origin of headache. Paradoxical relief and prevention of headache by sublingual nitrates are a strong clue to the diagnosis.
Translated title of the contribution | Headache and coronary heart disease |
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Original language | Italian |
Pages (from-to) | 467-470 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Recenti Progressi in Medicina |
Volume | 92 |
Issue number | 7-8 |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2001 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)