Everything You Should Know About Chest Pain
Persistent chest pain can be alarming, but it may not signify a severe medical disorder in some cases. However, if you experience unexplained chest pain Port Saint Lucie, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. A diagnosis can ease your worries or help you get treatment before the problem escalates.
Symptoms associated with chest pain
Chest pain can appear in several forms ranging from a dull ache to an excruciating, stabbing pain, and sometimes it may feel like a burning or crushing sensation. Depending on the underlying cause, the pain may radiate to your neck and jaw and spread down your arms. Several factors can result in chest pain, and while some may improve with painkillers, others may require professional intervention. Chest pain often indicates a severe underlying health issue, making it crucial to seek immediate medical advice. Sometimes your chest pain can be due to stress and may worsen during an anxiety attack. Many people worry when they get chest pain because they assume it is related to their heart. However, it can also be due to a digestive system disorder. Your symptoms will depend on the root cause, varying from one person to the other, but the primary symptom is pain.
- Heart-related chest pain
Although many associate chest pain with heart disease, those living with the disorder report mild discomfort that can barely be described as pain. In most cases, heart-related chest pain is due to a heart attack. Other symptoms include cold sweats, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, searing or crushing pain that spreads to your neck and arms, and chest tightness or pressure.
- Digestive system-related chest pain
You might have trouble distinguishing heart-related pain from digestive system-related distress. However, you are less likely to have a heart problem if you experience discomfort that improves when you change body position, tenderness in your chest, trouble swallowing, a sour taste in your mouth, or pain that worsens when you cough.
Medical experts advise against self-diagnosis when it comes to chest pain. If you experience unexplained chest pain that won’t improve with painkillers, inform your provider, but if you think it is a heart attack, dial 911. If you can’t reach the nearest emergency room, request your neighbor to take you.
Diagnosis and treatment of chest pain
TLC Medical Group uses cutting-edge diagnostic techniques to identify the underlying cause of your pain. After a physical exam, the team may conduct an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG is a noninvasive procedure that measures your heart’s electoral activity. It can also detect a heart attack. If the EKG does not show anything, the team may suggest an echocardiogram, stress testing, or Holter monitoring.
In most cases, your provider may recommend lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise, eating a healthier diet, and losing weight. The team may also recommend blood-thinning medications, beta-blockers, artery relaxants, ACE inhibitors, digitalis preparations, or cholesterol-lowering medications. You may need minimally invasive cardiac catheterization procedures like balloon angioplasty if you have severe coronary artery disease.
To explore more about chest pain, call the TLC Medical Group office or book your spot online.