Chest pain may be sharp, dull, achy, or crushing, but it should never be ignored. David Bolon, MD, at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown Manhattan, specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart disease, which is often the cause of chest pain. People appreciate Dr. Bolon’s medical skills, as well as his calm manner and willingness to explain his treatment recommendations. Schedule an evaluation today for outstanding cardiac screening and care that’s always patient-focused. Call the New York City office or request an appointment online.
You should always take chest pain seriously since it could be a symptom of a potentially fatal heart attack or other serious medical condition.
Not all chest pain is heart-related, however. Other issues that may cause varying degrees of chest pain or discomfort include:
Although not caused by heart disease, a pulmonary embolism, uncontrolled asthma, and other lung conditions are potentially life-threatening. Other issues that cause chest pain, including GERD, pancreatitis, and anxiety, can cause significant distress without appropriate treatment.
Only a physician can determine whether your chest pain is heart-related and how to best treat it.
Many people experiencing a heart attack describe sharp, burning, squeezing, or crushing chest pain. Sometimes the pain travels from the chest into the back, shoulders, jaw, and one or both arms. Some people, however, report discomfort tightness, or constriction but not necessarily “pain” in their chest.
Other symptoms of a heart attack may include:
Seek emergency medical care whenever you’re experiencing these symptoms or are concerned that you may be having a heart attack.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is completely blocked, usually by a clot, or your heart stops functioning (cardiac arrest).
However, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and other cardiac conditions can cause angina (chest pain) that requires medical attention but doesn’t necessarily indicate a heart attack. Not yet, anyway.
For instance, chest pain that starts with activity and stops when you rest may indicate your coronary arteries are dangerously narrowed but not yet blocked by plaque.
A minimally invasive procedure such as balloon angioplasty can clear the plaque and restore normal blood flow to your heart.
Chest tightness accompanied by persistent fatigue and swelling in the legs or abdomen may indicate heart failure, which is treatable with oral medications to reduce fluid buildup and improve heart function.
Schedule an evaluation at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular today for comprehensive cardiac screening and care designed to prevent a future heart attack. Call their New York office or request an appointment online.