In cases where the blockages are quite severe or in locations that cannot be treated with stents, then we are led to the third option, which is coronary artery bypass surgery. However, if the blockages are severe or if the pain is not relieved with medications, a patient may benefit from a stent, which is a tiny tube of metal mesh that helps ensure adequate blood flow through the artery. Medications, often our first choice, that lower the blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and relieve the pain from the stenosis can be the mainstay of therapy. If the chest pain is due to a blockage in one of the arteries of the heart, it is usually treated in one of three ways: 1) medication, 2) a stent, or 3) artery bypass surgery. If somebody experiences chest pain or pressure with a predictable level of physical activity, such as walking up a flight of stairs, and the pain resolves with rest, it is likely to be due to a narrowing in a coronary artery. Once patients create a "symptom log," they can present it to healthcare providers who can make specific suggestions for diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms.Įxercise is also a great way to determine whether chest pain could be arising from the heart or not. Write it all down, and patterns will emerge. Future prevention begins with recognizing pain and detailing observations such as: "Why do I have chest pain?" is a common question people ask themselves, and being able to answer that can go hand-in-hand with prevention. Chest pain that is unremitting should prompt a call to 9-1-1. It should be noted that early stages of a heart attack are often misinterpreted as gas, indigestion or heartburn and pulmonary embolism (blood clots traveling to the lungs) are often misinterpreted as a variety of lung conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, pleurisy or emphysema.Ĭhest pain that is persistent or worsening, increasing in intensity or frequency or associated with any of the above symptoms should be urgently evaluated. In general, all chest pains should be evaluated by a physician unless there was a clear and reversible cause for it (mild trauma, cuts, burns, bruises, etc.). But patients can present with a number of symptoms that they may not normally associate with heart disease such as:Ĭhest pain can be due to a number of causes, but if a patient has developed chest pain, especially while exercising, they should definitely see a doctor. We are very aware of the "Hollywood heart attack" where patients have light or heavy chest pain located in the center of their chest and can go down their left arm, signifying a heart attack. See a doctor anytime you are worried by your chest pain. When should someone see a doctor for chest pain? Cardiac chest pain can also radiate to the neck, jaw or inner aspect of the left arm it rarely changes with position but will worsen with exertion or physical activity.įor more information on heart attacks, along with a useful infographic, visit the American College of Cardiology’s CardioSmart patient info page. It is often associated with other worrisome symptoms such as shortness of breath, passing out or nearly passing out, nausea, vomiting and profuse sweating. How do I know if my chest pain is serious or is due to a heart condition?Ĭhest pain arising from heart conditions is generally slow to start and slow to resolve, lasting minutes, not seconds. Sometimes it's hard to differentiate, but your doctor can help. If any of these causes are suspected, patients should see their doctor. High blood pressure can also cause chest pain and is a cause for concern. The causes that concern us the most are due to either a blockage in the artery of the heart or a problem with one of the valves of the heart. Chest pain may be due to an injury to the chest, a pulled muscle, a lung problem, or acid reflux. Other non-cardiac conditions causing chest pain could include shingles, inflammation of the chest wall nerves or cartilage of the ribcage, peptic ulcers or GERD, spasm of the esophagus and, rarely, inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder. What causes chest pain?Ĭhest pain may be caused by any body structure in the chest – or even abdomen – including superficial structures such as the skin, connective tissue and surface nerves or deep structures and organs such as the heart, lungs and stomach. Here's what you need to know about chest pain, its causes, treatments, and when it indicates a serious coronary artery problem. Is the chest pain you're experiencing just indigestion from a spicy meal, or could your body be alerting you to a more serious issue requiring medical attention?Ĭhest pain – also known as angina – is a key indicator of coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease that kills 365,000 people each year.
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