Chest Pain

What causes chest pain?

Many cardiovascular health problems cause chest pain, including:

• Heart attack
• Angina
• Arrhythmia
• Pericarditis
• Myocarditis
• Cardiomyopathy
• Aortic dissection

You might also have chest pain from gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux or swallowing disorders. Certain lung conditions like pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism can also cause chest pain.

You should never ignore chest pain. There’s no way to tell what condition is causing your pain without a medical diagnosis. If you have a cardiovascular health problem, the earlier you start treatment, the better.

How is the cause of chest pain diagnosed?

The team at Alexander Kasatkin, MD, PC begins by collecting your medical history and reviewing your symptoms and lifestyle. They complete a physical exam and order additional testing, including:

• Blood tests: Increased proteins or enzymes in your blood indicate damage to your heart and can help the team diagnose a heart attack.
• Electrocardiograms: Electrocardiograms monitor the electrical activity in your heart. Damaged or injured heart tissue doesn’t transmit electrical impulses correctly, which indicates a heart attack or congenital heart defect.
• Echocardiograms: Echocardiograms are ultrasounds that show the structures and function of your heart. These tests allow your doctor to watch your heart work, making it easier to identify abnormal tissue or movement.
• Holter monitor: A Holter monitor is a wearable device that monitors and records your heart activity for 24-48 hours. Your doctor might provide a Holter monitor if your electrocardiogram is inconclusive.
• Stress test: A stress test evaluates how your heart works while you exert yourself. In most cases, you walk on a treadmill to increase your heart rate while wearing electrodes that send information about your heart activity to an electrocardiogram machine.

How is chest pain treated?

Treatment for chest pain depends on the condition causing it. The team at Alexander Kasatkin, MD, PC usually begins with conservative treatments, including medication and lifestyle modifications. For example, some of the drugs used to treat the common causes of chest pain include:

• Blood thinners
• Artery relaxers
• Thrombolytics

Your doctor might also recommend changes to your diet, adding exercise to your daily routine, and giving up smoking and alcohol.

In severe cases, you might need a surgical procedure like angioplasty, stent placement, or bypass surgery to restore your cardiovascular health.

If you have severe chest pain with shortness of breath, go to your nearest emergency room for immediate help. Otherwise, call Alexander Kasatkin, MD, PC or make an appointment online today.