» conventional diagnoses: angina pectoris; pericarditis; coronary artery disease; myocardial infarction
» etiology: often, Heart Yin Xu (Deficiency) -> Heart Yang Xu (Deficiency) -> Heart Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) as Yin and Yang Xu (Deficiency) impair flow of Heart Xue (Blood) producing Phlegm Turbidity and ultimately Obstruction and Stasis; usually underlying chronic emotional problems, esp. anxiety, resentment, grief or unexpressed anger, all of which contribute to Stagnancy in the chest
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
purple face and cyanosis of lips and nails
purple tongue
lassitude
shortness of breath
palpitations
tachycardia
stabbing PAIN or stuffiness in the precordial or substernal region
possibly pain in the left shoulder or forearm
cold extremities
» pulse: choppy, knotted or wiry; can also be hesitant, fine, deep, even faint; possibly irregular
» tongue: purplish, sometimes with purple spots; greasy coating due to Phlegm often accompanies sensation of stuffiness in chest
course and prognosis
» principle of treatment: resolve the Stagnancy; regulate Xue (Blood); tonify and warm Heart Yang; pacify the Shen
differential diagnosis
footnotes