Everything You Should Know About Chest Pain

Heart-related chest pain is known as angina. If you struggle with frequent angina attacks, you may need to see a cardiologist to prevent future complications or even loss of life. If you are looking for pain management Falls Church services with a difference to get long-term relief from chest pain, Integrated Neurology Services has your back

What chest pain feels like

Chest is a dull, stabbing, or burning sensation anywhere in your chest. It may radiate to other body parts like your neck, jaw, and arms, depending on the cause. You may experience achiness and tightness or feel like your chest is being squeezed or crushed. Chest pain may last for a few minutes, while in some cases, it may last for several months. While many factors can result in the chest, the most life-threatening ones involve your lungs and heart. Because chest pain can be a sign of an underlying medical disorder, it is crucial to inform your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms associated with heart-related chest pain

The most prevalent form of the chest is angina due to an inadequate supply of oxy-rich blood to the heart. Angina often indicates a severe heart condition; it usually deteriorates during exertion and gets better at rest. Heart-related chest pain may feel like a squeezing or crushing sensation in your chest and may spread to your neck, jaw, arms, and shoulders. Other symptoms include fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, restlessness, and weakness. Coronary artery disease is a condition that is most likely to result in chest pain. Atherosclerosis occurs due to the accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries, preventing blood from flowing freely. This hindrance deprives your heart of oxygen, leading to angina, and if the artery gets completely blocked with the fatty deposits, you may experience a heart attack.

How doctors diagnose chest pain

During your initial appointment at Northwest Houston Heart Center, the team discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and performs a thorough physical exam. They may take a blood sample to assess your cholesterol levels, evaluate your lungs and heart and measure your blood pressure. Your provider may also suggest an electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess your heart signals. They may also conduct an echocardiogram to obtain live images of your heart. These tests will indicate the exact cause of your chest pain, preventing you from undergoing other procedures like Holter monitoring, exercise electrocardiogram, nuclear stress test, and event monitoring.

Integrated Neurology Services specialists use a cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan. They analyze your results before recommending the appropriate treatment. Your treatment plan will rely on the root cause of your pain and may include cholesterol-lowering medications, artery relaxant medication, weight loss, blood-thinning medicines, or lifestyle modifications. The team prefers beginning treatment with conservative options before progressing to more aggressive treatment options. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may suggest balloon angioplasty and stenting. The team may also recommend a coronary bypass that involves using a blood vessel from a different part of your body to replace the diseased artery.

If you experience frequent chest pain, call Integrated Neurology Services or book your spot online for comprehensive care.