Chest Pain, Heart Disease, or Worse?

Chest pain is a very common symptom, we see in all kinds of patients and in all kinds of forms. It can be described as a burning sensation, a tightness, a pressure, some people have heartburn type symptoms. Sometimes people just have shortness of breath or fatigue.

What Do Chest Pain Symptoms Mean?

Although, chest pains can be something as benign as heartburn, but knowing the signs of a much more serious problem, like heart disease is important.

Are You Having These Types Of Symptoms?

• Burning sensation
• Tightness
• Pressure
• Heartburn
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

When Should I Get Help For Chest Pain?

If you are experiencing chest pains, and they're persistent, you need to pay a visit to their local physician or emergency room. I would recommend getting evaluated quickly, and get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.

So, that you can be evaluated further and we can get a better idea of what’s going on.

What Should I Expect From The Emergency Department?

When You Come To The Emergency Room, You’ll Be:

1. Brought back and evaluated by a nurse and physician.
2. An EKG will be obtained, as well as, blood work and further tests will be done. That way we can get a better understanding of what these symptoms are and whether or not they are truly related to a significant problem, like heart disease.
3. If after this evaluation, it will become clear to us if you are suffering from heart disease which will require further treatment.

What Is The Treatment For Chest Pain?

A Cardioangiography is a typical treatment plan which often times leads to ballooning, angioplasty, or stinting. Other times a patient’s heart disease is so severe that they’ll require a bypass surgery.

To learn more about CHI Health's Heart Institute and chest pain center services, please click here.