When to See Your Clinician About Chest Pains
Chest pain can stem from a heart condition, but other possible causes include a lung infection, muscle strain, a panic attack, or a rib injury. It is always best to consult your cardiovascular physician Frisco, TX if you experience sudden chest pain, especially if taking anti-inflammatory drugs does not relieve symptoms. You should seek emergency medical care if you have the following:
- Pain that spreads to your arms, neck, back, or jaw.
- Tightness or heaviness in your chest.
- Pain that began with nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
- Difficulty breathing or variations in breathing rate.
- Blue lips or nail beds.
- Severe discomfort that lasts more than 15 minutes.
- Confusion.
What does chest discomfort feel like?
Angina is a form of chest discomfort that occurs when your heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina is a sign of a cardiac problem that often worsens with exercise and improves with rest. Also, angina might feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest and discomfort in your shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back.
The common causes of chest pain that come and goes
The potential causes of chest discomfort are not limited to your heart. They can include other regions of your body, like your lungs and digestive tract. Here are some conditions that may cause chest discomfort that comes and goes:
- A heart attack can happen when the blood flow to your heart tissue is blocked. This can be due to plaque accumulation or a blood clot. Indicators of a heart attack vary by individual, and pain may be felt as mild discomfort or could be sudden and sharp.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an illness in which stomach acid moves up into your esophagus, causing a burning feeling (heartburn) in the chest. Pain from GERD may be severe while eating and lying down.
- Pneumonia causes inflammation of the air sacs within your lungs, known as alveoli. Pain from pneumonia may aggravate from coughing or breathing deeply. You may also have fever, chills, and shortness of breath.
The outlook for those with chest pain
Your specialist can treat and resolve chest discomfort caused by many common illnesses. These may include acid reflux, anxiety attacks, asthma, or related conditions. Conversely, chest pain might also be an indicator of a life-threatening disorder.
If you suspect you are experiencing a heart attack or cardiac disease, seek emergency medical attention. This has the potential to save your life. After a diagnosis, your doctor may offer additional therapies to help you manage your illness.
Although most people associate chest discomfort with a heart attack, several other illnesses can cause it. Know the indicators of a heart attack and get medical assistance as soon as you notice any discomfort. Also, make a mental note of what you were doing when your chest pain occurred so that you can inform your healthcare provider.
Being able to explain the type of pain you are experiencing and where it is coming from can assist your physician in making a diagnosis. Call Prime Heart and Vascular or book your appointment online to find out which chest pain treatments suit you.