Chest discomfort is understandably alarming and shouldn’t be ignored. However, how quickly you seek help sometimes depends on the nature of the pain and other symptoms you might experience.
Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants provides personalized, top-level cardiac care for patients of all ages. You can visit us at any of our three New York City locations.
We always want you to take chest pain seriously since it is one of the primary symptoms of a heart attack. In that case, the sooner you seek help, the better your odds of a successful outcome.
We’re also happy to discuss the differences between heart-related pain and discomfort that may be related to other causes, including muscle soreness.
Chest pain can develop anywhere from the base of your neck to the upper abdomen, sometimes traveling to the mid or upper back. It can be sharp, stabbing, dull, crushing, or burning and may be constant or intermittent.
Causes of chest pain that require medical care include:
A heart attack often presents as a pressure or squeezing sensation in your chest, which may radiate to your arms, neck, jaw, or back. Accompanying symptoms can include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and dizziness. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to your heart and is often an indicator of coronary artery disease. It can feel like a heart attack but typically occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress and subsides with rest.
PE, caused by a blood clot in one of the pulmonary arteries, can cause sudden, sharp chest pain, often accompanied by shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat. PE is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus. It causes a burning sensation in your chest, commonly known as heartburn.
Muscle soreness in your chest can result from overuse, strain, or trauma to your chest muscles. The pain is often localized to a specific area, which may be tender or warm to the touch.
Usually described as an ache or stiffness, it worsens with certain movements or activities. If you notice decreased pain with rest, heat therapy, or repositioning your body, it’s likely a muscle pull.
Activities that require extensive upper body involvement can easily cause chest muscle strain. For instance, you may experience muscle soreness after starting a new weightlifting program or helping a friend move furniture.
Our Premier Cardiology Consultants specialists recommend you seek medical attention whenever you’re concerned about chest pain.
Otherwise, symptoms that require urgent medical care include:
Don’t ignore chest pain. For outstanding cardiac care that meets your needs, call the office closest to you to schedule a visit at Premier Cardiology Consultants today.
