Chest Pain Specialist

What is chest pain?

Chest pain, or angina, is pain that feels like pressure or squeezing in your chest. You might also experience discomfort in your neck, jaw, back, shoulders, or arms. Chest pain can present as indigestion, sharp stabbing pain, or dull aching and is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. That’s why seeking medical attention right away is so important.

What causes chest pain?

If you’re having chest pain, it might be a result of your heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Heart conditions that can cause chest pain include:

• Heart attack
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart disease
• Pneumonia
• Heartburn
• Other digestive problems
• Gallbladder or pancreas abnormalities
• Asthma
• Panic attack
• Lung disorders

Not all causes of chest pain are related to cardiovascular problems, and sometimes the pain may be fleeting or sporadic. However, many medical conditions that cause chest pain can be dangerous and even deadly. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention soon if you experience chest pain, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of a heart condition?

You might be having a heart attack or another heart-related condition if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pressure or tightness in your chest
• Burning in your chest
• Pain in your back, jaw, neck, arms, or shoulders
• Dizziness or weakness
• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting

A heart attack is dangerous and can be deadly, so if you suspect you’re having one, call 911 immediately. Early detection and treatment drastically increase your chances of survival and a full recovery.

What is the treatment for chest pain?

First, Dr. Jones and the team at BKLYNCardio will work to determine the underlying cause of your chest pain. Dr. Jones might recommend an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, blood tests, or imaging to arrive at a diagnosis to create a treatment plan.

Treatment for a heart-related condition might include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Evidence-based herbal supplements
• Remote telehealth management
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Minimally-invasive heart procedures
• Open heart surgery
• A heart transplant in severe cases

Lifestyle habits that help prevent or treat heart disease include eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing dietary sodium and saturated fat, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, not smoking, and reducing stress.

At the first sign of chest pain, seek immediate medical attention or follow up with Dr. Jones at BKLYNCardio today. Call to schedule an appointment or use the online booking tool.