Chest Pain

What is chest pain?

Chest pain is aching or discomfort that affects any part of your chest. Depending on the cause, it might spread to your arms, shoulders, neck, or head. 

Chest pain varies from person to person. Sometimes, it’s sharp and stabbing. Other times, it’s dull and achy. Regardless, identifying the cause is crucial because chest pain can indicate severe medical issues like a heart attack.

What does chest pain feel like?

Chest pain presents in various ways. You might experience:

• Pressure
• Squeezing
• A feeling of fullness
• A tearing sensation
• Tightness 
• Achiness

If your chest pain is caused by a heart condition, you might also experience lightheadedness, sweating, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 right away.

Is chest pain always serious?

Most cases of chest pain are due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition causes stomach acid to flow backward into your esophagus. Even so, the LaSante Health Center team always recommends scheduling an appointment for chest pain because it should never be ignored.

Even if your chest pain is caused by something minor, getting screened provides peace of mind and rules out more serious issues like heart disease.

How is chest pain diagnosed?

Your LaSante Health Center provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They also order several cardiac screenings, including the following:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An electrocardiogram measures your heart’s electrical activity. It’s a non-invasive way to diagnose irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and heart attacks.  

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to view your heart in real time. It lets your provider check for conditions affecting your heart’s structure and function.

Bloodwork

Bloodwork assesses a blood sample for issues like high cholesterol or low levels of clotting factors. Conditions like these can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke, so addressing them immediately is crucial.

How is chest pain treated?

Treatment for chest pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. 

The LaSante Health Center team recommends preventive care whenever possible. For example, eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke and help your blood flow better.

If your provider identifies an underlying cardiovascular issue like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, they might prescribe medication. If they determine you’re at risk of a heart attack or stroke, they refer you to a cardiologist for specialized care.

Call LaSante Health Center today to schedule chest pain treatment, or book your appointment online.