Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your chest and were convinced you were having a heart attack? Maybe you even went to the emergency room or called your doctor only to find out that your "heart attack" was actually a strained muscle. Or maybe you were absolutely positive your chest pain was just heartburn, but it turned out to be a heart attack after all. Show
The truth is, it's not easy to tell what's behind your chest pain and whether the cause is life-threatening or just a nuisance. So we spoke to interventional cardiologist Gary Schaer, MD, from Rush who shared five things everyone should know about chest pain. 1. It might be angina, not a heart attack.Your doctor may use the word "angina" or "angina pectoris," when discussing your chest pain. Actually, angina is the medical term for chest pain, pressure or tightness — but it's not the same as a heart attack.
Blood supply to the heart muscle is typically reduced by atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries that supply the heart. When the heart's demand for blood flow increases (due to exertion or emotional stress) in someone with restricted blood supply to the heart, that person may experience angina symptoms, including squeezing, burning, tightness or a sensation of pressure in the chest. Health experts classify angina in two categories: stable angina and unstable angina. Stable angina occurs during activity or emotional stress, whereas unstable angina typically happens while at rest. If you have angina, it means you have underlying coronary artery disease, but it doesn't necessarily mean you're having — or are at increased risk of having — a heart attack. So how can you tell whether your chest pain is angina or a heart attack? Here are some important differences:
2. A variety of heart conditions can cause chest pain.While coronary artery disease is a leading cause of chest pain, Schaer says pain can occur even when there isn't a partially or completely blocked artery. These are some other heart conditions that can cause chest pain: PericarditisPericarditis is an inflammation or an infection of the sac around the heart. This condition can cause chest pain similar to angina, and also tends to cause a sharp, steady pain along the upper neck and shoulder muscle that may worsen when you breathe, swallow food or lie on your back. MyocarditisMyocarditis is heart muscle inflammation. Often, the chest pain is accompanied by fever, fatigue and trouble breathing. Mitral valve prolapseMitral valve prolapse is a condition in which the heart's mitral valve doesn't close properly. Aortic dissectionAortic dissection is an uncommon but life-threatening condition that results when a tear develops in the aorta (the largest artery in the body). This causes sudden, severe pain with a tearing or ripping sensation through the neck, back or abdomen. Coronary microvascular disease (MVD)Coronary microvascular disease (MVD) is a disease affecting the walls of the heart’s tiniest arteries. Also called cardiac syndrome X and nonobstructive cardiovascular heart disease, MVD is more common in women.
3. The pain may not be coming from your heart — or even your chest.While chest pain is one of the hallmarks of heart problems, it's important to note that any organ or tissue in your chest — including the lungs, esophagus, muscles, tendons, ribs and nerves — can be a source of chest pain. "Pain can also radiate to the chest from the neck, abdomen and back, creating the illusion that it's originating with your heart," Schaer says. In fact, in roughly 25 percent of people in the U.S. who experience chest pain, the cause is related to parts of the body other than the heart, including the following:
4. Some heart attack sufferers don't experience chest pain at all.While chest pain is far and away the symptom most commonly associated with a heart attack, not everyone who has a heart attack feels that crushing chest pain. While some may double over due to a vice-like grip around their hearts, others may feel as though a bear is standing on their chest. Or, they may experience nothing at all.
"They may pass out, or feel weak or confused," Schaer says. "If you’re a diabetic or older adult — or are a caregiver for a diabetic or older adult — it's important to know that these populations often experience out-of-the-ordinary heart attack symptoms so you don't write them off." 5. Time = heart muscle, so don't wait to get help.If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Time is of the essence: The longer a coronary artery is 100 percent blocked, the more heart damage will occur. "Never drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital," says Schaer. "The emergency medical technicians who respond to the 911 call are best equipped to care for heart attack patients, monitor them for any abnormal heart rhythms that can develop and rapidly transport them to the nearest hospital capable of opening the artery with angioplasty." If you're concerned about chest pain, or if persistent chest pain is interfering with your quality of life, talk to your doctor. He or she can run tests to pinpoint the source of your pain, help you get relief and potentially prevent more serious health problems down the road. 6. Expect to answer, and ask, questions if you see a doctor for chest pain.Whether your chest pain is evaluated in a doctor's office or an ambulance, you can expect health care providers to ask you questions. Commonly asked questions
Questions you should ask
What does it mean when chest pain come and go?Pain in the chest that comes and goes may signal a problem with the heart, respiratory system, or digestion. Also, in some people, it occurs during panic attacks. There is no way to accurately self-diagnose chest pain based on symptoms alone.
Why do I feel faint pain in my chest?Most cases of chest pain with dizziness aren't serious. However, you should get emergency help if your symptoms last for more than 15 minutes. This could indicate a heart attack. With a doctor's help, it's possible to manage underlying conditions of chest pain and dizziness.
Does chest pain come and go with heart attack?Typical heart attack symptoms
This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.
Can random chest pain be normal?No. Chest pain isn't normal. If you have chest pain, contact your healthcare provider or 911 right away. Although most people think of a heart attack when they think of chest pain, there are many other conditions that cause chest pain.
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