Chest Pain

Overview

In no circumstance should chest pain ever be ignored. A variety of conditions cause chest pain. Some are serious, and others aren't. In any case, you do not want to take any chances-heart attacks can be fatal.

There are two kinds of chest pain. Sudden chest pain occurs out of nowhere while persistent chest pain is lingering and continuous. Both could indicate simple or serious conditions. Regardless of whether your chest pain is sudden or lingering, you should visit a doctor. You will want to exclude serious conditions to ensure that you are healthy.

There are five main causes for chest pain. The first involves your gastrointestinal system. You could have heartburn or an upset stomach that causes your vomiting. You could also have a condition in your chest wall such as nerve damage or fibromyalgia. Women could be experiencing breast problems. Psychological explanations include panic attacks and extreme anxiety. Even if your condition is psychological, you should seek medical attention. In certain situations, you might benefit from counseling or antidepressants. You do not want your psychological condition to end up causing physical harm.

When you go to the emergency room, you will undergo a series of tests to diagnose what is causing your chest pain. These tests include x-rays, oxygen tests, breathing tests, and blood tests. When possible and if relevant, try to get a CT scan. In addition to extensive testing, you will undergo a thorough screening regarding your individual and family medical history. Doctors will also ask you to describe your pain in terms of its severity and location. You may be asked to come in for follow up appointments and tests if a doctor cannot make a diagnosis on the spot. Tests include angioplasties, which will create images of your arteries and electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG), which monitors your heart's electrical activity over time.

Treatment

Your treatment will vary based on the severity and cause of your chest pain. If you are having gastrointestinal problems, your doctor will prescribe gastrointestinal treatments such as an antacid for heartburn. If you are having a heart attack, you might need aspirin, glyceryl trinitrate, or an automated external defibrillator depending on the stages and severity of your attack. You may require counseling sessions or antidepressants to treat your psychological conditions. You may even require heart surgery for certain serious conditions. You will need to talk to a doctor or medical professional to guide your treatment. By all means, do not self medicate. Go to a doctor immediately to figure out what you have. In many situations, chest pain is not serious. In any case, you will want to avoid all possible risks.