Understanding Chest Pain

Overview

Chest pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, crushing pain. While it's often associated with heart problems, many conditions can cause chest pain.

Common Causes

Cardiac Causes

• Heart Attack: Crushing pain, often with radiation to left arm or jaw
• Angina: Pain triggered by physical activity or stress
• Pericarditis: Sharp pain that worsens with breathing

Non-Cardiac Causes

• Musculoskeletal: Pain from chest wall injuries or strain
• Gastrointestinal: Acid reflux, ulcers
• Respiratory: Pneumonia, pulmonary embolism
• Anxiety: Panic attacks can mimic heart attack symptoms

Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or crushing chest pain
• Pain spreading to arms, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or cold sweats
• Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may perform:

• Physical examination
• ECG/EKG
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Additional imaging (if needed)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Cardiac medications
• Lifestyle modifications
• Stress management
• Treatment of underlying conditions

Prevention

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
2. Regular exercise
3. Healthy diet
4. Stress management
5. Regular check-ups

When to Call 911

Don't hesitate to seek emergency care if:

• Pain is severe or crushing
• Symptoms persist > 5 minutes
• You have history of heart problems
• You experience multiple symptoms together