Diagnosis
Chest pain doesn’t always signal a heart attack. However, that’s what healthcare doctors in the emergency room typically look for first, as it’s the most significant risk to your health. They can also test for lung diseases that could be life-threatening, for example, an unresponsive lung or blood clot within the lung.
Instant tests
A few of the tests a physician can order to assess chest pains include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test is quick and examines the heart’s electrical activity. The sticky patch (electrodes) can be placed over the chest and the legs and arms occasionally. Wires connect the electrodes to computers, which display the test results. An ECG Can determine if the heart is racing too rapidly, too slow, or even not at all. Since damaged heart muscles don’t transmit electricity regularly, it is possible to determine if the heart is beating too fast or slow. ECG It could be that you’ve suffered or are suffering from heart attacks.
- Blood tests. Blood tests may be conducted to detect an increase in specific proteins or enzymes typically found in the heart muscle. The damage to the heart cells caused by an attack can cause the enzymes or proteins to leak over a few hours into the blood.
- Chest Xray. An X-ray of the chest may reveal the health of the lungs and the shape and size of the heart and major blood vessels. A chest X-ray could show lung conditions like pneumonia or an elongated lung.
- Computer-tomography (CT) scan. CT scans can reveal enlargement of blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) or show an Aortic dissection.
Tests to follow-up
Based on the results of the initial chest pain tests, You may require further tests, which could include:
- Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to generate an image of the heart’s motion in video format. The device is small and can be inserted into the throat for more incredible views of the various areas in the heart.
- CT scans are computerized. (CT) scan. Different CT scans are a great way to examine the heart’s blood vessels for obstructions. A CT angiogram of the coronary artery can be carried out using dye to look at the arteries of the lung and heart for obstacles and other issues.
- Stress tests. They measure how the blood vessels and heart react to stress and indicate whether chest pain could be related to the core. There are various types of tests for pressure. Walking or riding on a stationary bicycle is possible when connected to an ECG. You could also be offered an IV medication to stimulate your heart muscle in a manner like exercising.
- Coronary catheterization (angiogram). This test allows health professionals to identify blockages in coronary arteries. A thin, long tubing (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel, generally on the wrist or in the groin, and then it is then guided to the heart. The dye flows through the catheter to the arteries of the heart. The coloring assists the streets to be more visible in X-ray images and video.
More related information is available. Treatment
The treatment for chest pain is different based on the cause.
Medications
Some of the drugs that are employed to treat the most commonly cited reasons for chest pain are:
- Relaxers for the arteries. Nitroglycerin — commonly taken as a tablet under the tongue, relaxes the heart arteries so that blood flows more easily across the narrowed zones. Certain blood pressure medications expand blood vessels and comfort them.
- Aspirin. If health care experts believe that the chest pain you’re experiencing is due to your heart condition, then you’ll probably receive aspirin.
- Thermolytic medications. If you are suffering from a heart attack, you might be able to receive these drugs that break down clots. They work by dissolving the lump, which is blocking blood from getting to the muscle of your heart.
- Blood thinners. If you have a clot in the artery which supplies your lungs or your heart and lungs, you’ll probably be prescribed drugs that inhibit blood clotting from further stopping the formation of clots.
- Acid-suppressing drugs. If chest pain results from stomach acid entering the esophagus, the doctor could prescribe medications that decrease levels of acid that is present in the stomach.
- The antidepressant HTML0. If you have panic attacks, your medical doctor may prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms. Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, may be recommended.
Surgery and other procedures
Treatment options for one of the more harmful sources of chest pain are:
- Angioplasty and Stent positioning. Chest pain that results from obstruction in the arterial blood vessel that supplies the heart is often treated using angioplasty. Doctors insert a tube with balloons on its end into a large blood vessel usually located in the groin. The balloon directs the catheter towards the obstruction. The doctor will inflate the balloon to increase the size of the artery, and then deflate it, and then remove the catheter. A tiny tubular wire mesh (stent) is typically located near the balloon’s tip of the catheter. The stent is locked in place when it expands, keeping the arterial artery open.
- Bypass surgery. During this procedure, surgeons will take the blood vessel of another area of the body and then use it to make an alternate way for blood to flow through the blockage in the blood vessel.
- Repair for emergency dissection. You may need urgent surgery to fix an aortic dissection. This is a severe condition that occurs when the blood vessel that connects through the heart and the rest of the body breaks.
- Reflation in the lung. If you have edema in your lung, your health care doctor may place an incision into your chest to re-inflate the lung.
You are preparing for your appointment.
If you’re experiencing severe chest pain, or if you’re experiencing new and unproven chest pain or pressure that lasts longer than a few minutes, contact 911 or emergency medical assistance.
Don’t delay for anxiety about embarrassment, even in the event of an actual heart attack. Even if there’s an alternative cause for the chest pain, it’s essential to be examined immediately.
What you can do
Please share the following information with the emergency medical providers, if it is possible:
- The symptoms. Describe your signs and symptoms and note when they began and what makes the pain go away or get worse.
- Medical background. Have you ever suffered chest pain? What is the reason? Do you or your close relatives have diabetes or heart disease history?
- Medicines. Having a list of all medications and supplements you take regularly can be helpful to emergency responders. It is possible to create this list to keep in your purse or wallet ahead of time.
When you’re in an institution, your medical exam will probably occur swiftly. Based on the results of an Electrocardiogram (ECG) as well as blood test, your healthcare doctor may be able to quickly identify if you’re experiencing a heart attack or offer a second explanation for the symptoms. You’ll likely have a variety of questions. If you’re not receiving the below information, you might be able to inquire:
- What’s the likely cause for my chest discomfort?
- Are there any other possible explanations for my condition or symptoms?
- What kind of tests should I take?
- Do I have to be admitted to a hospital?
- What treatment do I require at the moment?
- Are there any risk factors associated with these procedures?
- What are the following steps to take in my treatment and diagnosis?
- I also have medical issues. How will that impact my treatment?
- Do I have to adhere to any rules after returning to my home?
- Do I need to see a doctor?
Do not hesitate to ask any further questions during your medical examination.
What can you expect from the doctor?
A doctor who is examining your chest for pain could inquire:
- When did your symptoms start? Are they getting worse with time?
- Do you feel your pain has spread to other areas in your body?
- What words would you choose to describe your suffering?
- Are you experiencing symptoms unrelated to chest pain, like difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness?
- Do you suffer from hypertension? If yes, do you use medication to treat it?
- Did you smoke? What was the amount?
- Do you use alcohol or caffeine? What is the amount?
- Do you make use of illegal substances like cocaine?