Chest Pain

What is chest pain?

Chest pain is a general medical term used to describe the discomfort you experience in your chest. Most people fear a heart attack when they experience chest pain. However, chest pain can develop from many causes. 

Cardiovascular causes of chest pain include:

• Heart attack
• Angina
• Aortic dissection (tear in the aorta)
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac that surrounds your heart)
• Pulmonary embolism

You may also develop chest pain during a panic attack if you have gallstones, or from a muscle strain. Because chest pain may be a symptom of a potentially life-threatening condition, you shouldn’t ignore the symptom.

Modern Heart and Vascular Institute is a cutting-edge cardiovascular practice that offers same-day appointments and is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that can provide the answers you need. 

What are cardiac-related chest pain symptoms?

Though chest pain symptoms vary, you may be able to determine if your discomfort is related to your heart based on the types of symptoms you’re experiencing. With angina, your chest pain may feel like a squeezing or burning sensation. Other symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Pain that travels to your arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness

 If you only experience chest pain during physical exertion, you may have what’s referred to as stable angina. 

Angina is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. 

What happens during a chest pain evaluation?

The team at Cardiovascular Wellness Center performs a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office with concerns about chest pain. The team reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and lifestyle habits during your exam. Then, your provider performs a physical exam and may request various diagnostic tests to assess heart health and function, such as:

• Blood work
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram
• Echo-vascular stress test
• PET scan
• CT scan

Cardiovascular Wellness Center has state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that can assist in making a more accurate diagnosis.

How is chest pain treated?

Treatment for your chest pain depends on the underlying cause. Your cardiologist develops personalized treatment plans specific to your needs, which may include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Disease-specific medications
• Cardiac rehab

Cardiovascular Wellness Center also offers the enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) procedure to treat angina. The noninvasive procedure may lower the frequency and intensity of your chest pain. 

For comprehensive care of your chest pain from a cardiovascular specialist, call Cardiovascular Wellness Center or request an appointment online today.