Chest pain is a kind of discomfort or pain that can be experienced anywhere along the front of a patient's body between the upper abdomen and the neck. A lot of people with chest pain tend to think that they could be having a heart attack. However, the truth is that there are many other causes of chest pain, some of which are harmless, while others are life-threatening. As such, it is imperative for patients to seek the attention of a doctor as soon as they realize that they have chest pain. Below are some important things that you should know about chest pain Plano, TX.

Causes of Chest Pain

The causes of chest pain can be broadly classified into two categories: heart-related causes and other causes. Heart-related causes of chest pain include pericarditis, angina, aortic dissection, and heart attack. Other causes include digestive issues such as swallowing disorders and heartburn, muscle and bone issues such as injured ribs and sore muscles, and lung issues such as pulmonary embolism and collapsed lungs.

Symptoms of Chest Pain

The symptoms of chest pain include many different sensations and what a patient experience depends on the trigger. However, there is no way of pinpointing the exact source of chest pain without being examined and tested by a doctor. In cases of heart-related chest pain, a patient may go through vague discomfort that is not necessarily characterized by pain. Chest discomfort that is caused by a heart problem may be associated with symptoms such as:

● Fullness, tightness, pressure, or burning in the chest

● Searing or crushing pain that may radiate to the shoulders, jaws, and back

● Pain that does not go away after a few minutes or that gets worse when you are engaged in some physical activities

● Cold sweats

● Shortness of breath

● Weakness and dizziness

● Nausea and vomiting

It is not easy to distinguish between chest pain that is caused by heart problems and other forms of chest pain. But generally, chest pain that is less likely to be associated with a heart condition comes with symptoms such as:

● Tenderness when your chest is pushed

● Trouble swallowing

● A sour taste

● Pain that get worse or better depending on your body position

● Pain that intensifies when you cough or breathe deeply

Treatment

Since there are many different causes of chest pain, treatment usually depends on the specific cause of chest pain. Some possible solutions for chest pain include medications such as aspirin, artery relaxers, thrombolytic drugs, antidepressants, blood thinners, and acid-suppressing medications. In more severe cases of chest pain, surgery may be recommended.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that chest pain may result from a number of issues. Some of them may be harmless while others may be life-threatening. Therefore, if you have unexplained or new chest pain, or you suspect that you could be having a heart attack, it is imperative for you to seek the immediate attention of a doctor. If you are looking for a reliable cardiac and vascular specialist to help you in this regard, Prime Heart and Vascular is an excellent facility to consider. Feel free to visit or contact them today for more information about the services that they offer.