What does the Levine sign indicate?

What does the Levine sign indicate?

• A. Coronary artery spasm
• B. Angina
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Heart failure

Answer: (B)

The Levine sign is a clinical indication often associated with angina, which is a symptom of coronary artery disease. It is characterized by the patient placing a fist over their chest while describing chest pain, which typically occurs during episodes of angina due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This gesture is a physiological reaction to the pain and discomfort associated with ischemia of the heart. Angina pectoris is primarily caused by myocardial oxygen demand exceeding supply, often due to coronary artery blockages or spasms. Recognizing the Levine sign can aid healthcare providers in identifying anginal episodes quickly, which is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment and management strategies for the patient. While other options such as myocardial infarction and coronary artery spasm are related to chest pain, the specific gesture of the Levine sign directly correlates with angina episodes, making it the most accurate choice in this context. Understanding this distinction is critical for healthcare professionals working with patients experiencing acute chest pain.

The Levine sign is a clinical indication often associated with angina, which is a symptom of coronary artery disease. It is characterized by the patient placing a fist over their chest while describing chest pain, which typically occurs during episodes of angina due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This gesture is a physiological reaction to the pain and discomfort associated with ischemia of the heart.

Angina pectoris is primarily caused by myocardial oxygen demand exceeding supply, often due to coronary artery blockages or spasms. Recognizing the Levine sign can aid healthcare providers in identifying anginal episodes quickly, which is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment and management strategies for the patient.

While other options such as myocardial infarction and coronary artery spasm are related to chest pain, the specific gesture of the Levine sign directly correlates with angina episodes, making it the most accurate choice in this context. Understanding this distinction is critical for healthcare professionals working with patients experiencing acute chest pain.