SHARES
Having chest pain can be nerve-wrecking, and often leads to a dash to the Emergency Department!
The pain maybe a sharp, stabbing pain or dull ache, varying in intensity, duration and location. Frequently, many of us would relate chest pain to heart problems. Nevertheless, only 20 % of chest pain end up with a diagnosis of heart attack or other heart-related conditions. In other words, chest pain may also signal other causes that are not life-threatening.
Other than the heart, illnesses involving the digestive system, lungs, muscle or bone can cause chest pain too.
Common Conditions Causing Chest Pain
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Heart problems
Heart attack: Death of heart muscles due to restricted blood flow to the heart
Angina: Chest pain when the heart muscles suffer from lack of blood and oxygen
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac around the heart
Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle
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Gastrointestinal problems
Acid reflux or heartburn: Backflow of acid up the oesophagus (food pipe)
Swallowing issues related to disease of the oesophagus
Gallstones: Solid particles formed from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in gallbladder
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Lung problems
Pulmonary embolism: Blockage of pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually due to blood clots
Pneumonia: Infection that inflames the lung tissues
Pneumothorax: Collapsed lungs when air leaks into the space between lung and chest wall
Bronchospasm: Tightening of muscles that line the airway
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Muscle or bone problems
Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage in rib cage
Bruised or broken ribs
Sore muscles from exertion or chronic pain syndromes
Compression fractures causing pressure on a nerve
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Other causes
Panic attacks: Abrupt onset of fear or discomfort
Shingles: Viral infection that causes painful rash
Describing Your Chest Pain to Doctor
An electrocardiogram (ECG) examination and blood test for cardiac troponin help in diagnosing heart conditions. However, these tests may not immediately show abnormalities. Hence, being able to describe your medical history is crucial in diagnosing chest pain.
Be ready to answer some of these questions that would help your doctor in making treatment decisions:
- What did the chest pain feel like? (Sharp, stabbing, squeezing, pressure, tight, burning?)
- Where is the pain? (In the middle of the chest? On one side?)
- Did the pain travel to other parts? (Such as neck, arm, or back)
- When did the pain start?
- How long did the pain last?
- Has it gotten worse or remained the same?
- Have you experienced chest pain before?
- What were you doing before the pain started?
- Did you experience any other discomfort?
Knowing When to Seek Immediate Help
The devastating effects of heart attack is reversible if timely treatment is given within the golden hour. This time window is one hour from when symptoms start. Sadly, most patients were presented to healthcare facilities much later, making full recovery difficult. Therefore, knowing the indicators to seek immediate treatment for heart attack becomes vital.
Heart attack may or may not include chest pain. Regardless, sudden onset of these symptoms may be indicative of heart attack:
- Chest pain or discomfort in the chest, upper back, left arm or jaw
- Faint or dizziness
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
As a rule, if you or your loved ones experience any symptoms suddenly, call an ambulance immediately. The reason is an ambulance usually comes with trained personnel and equipment. Before reaching the emergency room, they can start the diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Never attempt to drive yourself to the hospital, as this can place yourself and others in danger.
Outlook for People with Chest Pain
People with chest pain will be evaluated for heart attack. After a heart attack is ruled out, doctors will then look for the actual cause of chest pain. Most conditions leading to chest pain can be treated and resolved. Never take chances with chest pain. Get your doctor to check immediately if chest pain is bothering you or your loved one.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
