PubMed2004
Functional heart symptoms, especially chest pain, are very widespread and, according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), are described as "somatoform autonomous functional disorders of the cardiovascular system". Although they are very often accompanied by considerable anxiety about having a heart attack, for example, they are initially not recognizable as such and have to be distinguished from somatic complaints. The most prevalent of these symptoms (Table 2) are chest pains, followed by feelings of weakness, a tendency to become easily fatigued and breathing difficulties. The perception of changes in cardiac activity, such as tachycardia, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias, is also extremely unsettling and thus anxiety-provoking. Therefore, although a responsible cardiac diagnosis is the basis for every further step taken, it is advisable to carry out a brief anamnesis immediately, if possible, to determine the prior history (Table 1). For example, previously conducted clarification of somatic causes, consultations with more than one physician in parallel or repeated medical emergency calls can be helpful for orientation. Moreover, in the interview during the diagnostic measures, the possibility of functional causes should always be pointed out in order to counteract a somatic fixation early on. The health-care policy role that lies in early diagnosis of functional cardiac complaints has to be regarded as highly relevant. Following exclusionary diagnosis, the patients should not be discharged as "healthy" from the cardiological practice without a more in-depth anamnesis of their complaints, because differentiated questioning of the patient not only about typical physical and psychic symptoms, but also about behavior patterns (Table 3) that can accompany functional cardiac complaints, works in favor of a doctor-patient relationship that is based on trust. Since, in addition to anxiety disorders, above all depressive states accompany functional heart complaints, and can also cause them in the sense of a comorbidity, a knowledge of characteristics related to depression (Table 4), such as a depressed mood, loss of interest or low motivation, is very helpful for a better understanding of the patients. The "vicious circle" that rapidly develops precisely in the case of this group of patients, consisting of physical symptoms, avoidance behavior and psychological as well as interpersonal difficulties, is described and possible solutions are pointed up. In summary, the following recommendations can be formulated for day-to-day clinical practice: 1. From the very beginning, a holistic approach should be conveyed in the interview by addressing psychological and social aspects as well, and taking them into account as possible causes. 2. The somatic diagnosis should, if possible, not go beyond that which is urgently necessary from a cardiological standpoint and presented in guidelines. One should, above all, not give in to pressure from the patients if it is a matter of repeated examinations within a short period of time. 3. A differentiated and focused anamnesis helps the patients to feel understood and taken seriously. 4. A relationship based on trust enhances the chances for a successful transfer to psychosomatic examination and treatment.