Chest pain can have many causes, but if you’re like most people, your primary concern is probably whether or not it’s related to your heart. That’s a legitimate concern: Many heart problems do cause chest pain, and since heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men, it’s wise to be extra cautious.
As leading providers of cardiovascular care, Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, and the team at TLC Medical Group Inc. help patients understand the cause of chest pain through comprehensive testing and evaluation. In this post, our team reviews five possible causes of chest pain that respond well to prompt medical care.
Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood, causing painful spasms. Atherosclerosis—a narrowing of the arteries—is a common cause of angina, and yes, it’s a sign of a serious heart-related problem that requires medical attention from our team.
Treatment typically involves medication to lower cholesterol and reduce the heart’s workload, combined with healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising more. In more severe cases, a minimally invasive procedure or traditional surgery might be necessary to prevent life-threatening complications.
Your heart needs oxygen-rich blood to function, delivered through the coronary arteries. A heart attack happens when one or both arteries are completely or partially blocked, impeding blood flow to the heart.
Heart attacks can cause severe chest pain, along with other symptoms, and without prompt medical treatment, they can cause permanent damage or death. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away.
Pericarditis occurs when the sac surrounding the heart (the pericardium) becomes inflamed and irritated. This causes chest pain that can be easily mistaken for a heart attack. Often associated with viral infections or autoimmune diseases, pericarditis symptoms tend to be worse when breathing deeply or lying down.
It may not be a heart attack, but pericarditis is still very serious, requiring prompt medical attention. Medications help reduce inflammation and reduce pain associated with it.
Most people are familiar with heartburn, the burning and pain that follow a particularly heavy or “indigestible” meal. Heartburn happens when stomach acids flow backwards into the esophagus, irritating sensitive tissues and triggering symptoms.
Because your stomach and heartburn are located near each other, it’s easy to mistake indigestion pain for a heart attack or angina. Fortunately, indigestion can typically be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications designed to neutralize acids or decrease production. Lifestyle changes can help, too.
Stress is another possible cause of chest pain, particularly severe stress or panic attacks. Stress releases hormones that tighten muscles and blood vessels and can interfere with normal breathing, too.
If you have stress or anxiety, psychotherapy can help you learn ways to manage stress, using techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stress management techniques, and medications. Once your anxiety is under control, your chest pain should abate, too.
Not all chest pain is caused by a heart problem; some causes can be relatively benign. Still, it’s difficult to tell the difference between a “harmless” type of pain and one that could have life-threatening consequences.
If you have chest pain that’s worsening, persistent, severe, or trauma-related, it’s important to call the office or call 9-1-1 immediately. You should also seek medical care if your pain is accompanied by symptoms like:
Prompt care identifies the source of pain so it can be treated immediately.
To learn what you can do to protect your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease and heart-related chest pain, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.
