-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry and What to Do
Introduction
Chest pain is a common symptom that can arise from various causes, including heart disease, lung problems, digestive issues, or even muscle strain. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial, especially when it involves the heart.
Cardiac-Related Chest Pain
Chest pain related to heart problems is often referred to as angina or, in severe cases, a heart attack . Common signs suggesting a heart-related problem include: - A squeezing, pressure-like pain in the center of your chest - Pain that radiates to the left arm, jaw, or back - Shortness of breath - Nausea or vomiting - Sweating and dizziness
Non-Cardiac Causes of Chest Pain
Not all chest pain is heart-related. Other possible causes include: - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Burning sensation due to acid reflux. - Muscle strain – Pain triggered by movement or pressing on the chest. - Lung conditions – Issues like pneumonia or pulmonary embolism might mimic heart pain.
What Should You Do?
- If the pain is sudden, intense, and persistent, call emergency services immediately!
- If the pain occurs during physical exertion and disappears with rest, consult a cardiologist.
- Monitor additional symptoms. Shortness of breath, cold sweats, or fainting require urgent medical attention.
Diagnosis & Treatment
A doctor will likely recommend tests such as: - ECG (Electrocardiogram) to check your heart’s electrical activity - Blood tests (Troponin) for heart attack markers - Stress tests or imaging (Echocardiography or Coronary Angiography) for further assessment
Key Takeaway
Chest pain shouldn’t be ignored. If you're unsure whether it’s heart-related, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Chest Pain
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001029
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2021/10/27/14/06/2021-Guideline-for-Chest-Pain-gl_chestpain
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.750
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/guidelines/chest-pain
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7692678/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33126578/
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.