Chest Pain

Is chest pain a sign of heart problems?

Chest pain can be a symptom of various health conditions and isn't always due to a heart problem. You could have chest pain from issues like straining a muscle or as a result of a lung infection like pneumonia or pleurisy. Even indigestion can give you quite unpleasant pain in your chest. 

Because it can be a sign of a heart disorder, you should always take chest pain seriously.

What heart problems cause chest pain?

Chest pain related to a heart condition is called angina, and it's a consequence of insufficient oxygen in your heart muscle. You might also experience dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and cold sweats if you have angina. 

Angina isn't a specific disorder; rather, it indicates that your chest pain is due to a problem with your heart. The most likely cause of angina is heart disease, in many cases due to coronary artery disease (CAD).

CAD develops when the arteries serving your heart suffer narrowing and hardening (atherosclerosis) because of a sticky plaque build-up. Cholesterol in your blood mixes with calcium and other particles to form plaque, which then coats the inside of your arteries and restricts blood flow.

How is the cause of chest pain diagnosed?

The experienced team at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona begins the diagnostic process to find the reason for your chest pain by performing a physical examination and discussing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and relevant family history.

The team has access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies on-site as well to confirm or rule out heart problems. First, they perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure your heart's electrical activity and make sure you're not having a heart attack.

You might also need to undergo an echocardiogram (a diagnostic cardiac ultrasound) that produces moving images of your heart and how it functions. If they can't explain your chest pain using these methods, you might need further assessments, such as nuclear stress testing and Holter or event monitoring.

What treatment might I need for chest pain?

The most appropriate treatment for your chest pain varies depending on its root cause. Treatments available at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona include:

• Artery relaxant medication
• Blood-thinning drugs
• ACE inhibitors
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Digitalis preparations
• Diuretics
• Vasodilators
• Balloon angioplasty  
• Atherectomy
• External counterpulsation (ECP) therapy

Many heart problems are due to issues like being overweight or obese and insufficient exercise. Your provider can help you make changes to your lifestyle that promote good heart health.

Find out what's causing your chest pain and get the relief you need by calling Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona or booking an appointment online today.