Shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations or dizziness? These symptoms may be an indication of an abnormal heart rhythm or coronary artery disease.

Is the chest pain you are feeling simply indigestion from a spicy meal or an alarm of a more serious problem requiring medical attention?

Chest pain (angina) is a key indicator of coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, which kills 365,000 people every year. However, the majority of chest pain is not caused by a heart attack.

A heart attack is usually not indicated by chest pain. However, since it is the most immediate threat to your life, healthcare experts will usually test it first. They can also look for life-threatening lung conditions like a collapsed lung or a blood clot.

Common causes of chest pain

Chest pain can be caused by heart and lung problems, but it can also be caused by throat, muscle, rib, or nerve problems. The only way to determine the source of your chest pain is to see a doctor.

Here are some of the most common heart problems that can cause chest pain, especially on the left side of the chest:

Coronary artery disease (CAD):

Coronary artery disease causes the heart’s blood arteries to narrow, which limits the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. It could feel like a squeeze or pressure in your arm, jaw, back, or shoulder.

Myocarditis:

The pain of myocarditis can be quite similar to that of a heart attack. Pain in the upper neck and shoulder muscles can be intense and constant. When you breathe, swallow food, or lie on your back, it can sometimes get worse.

Common causes of chest pain

Chest pain can be caused by heart and lung problems, but it can also be caused by throat, muscle, rib, or nerve problems. The only way to determine the source of your chest pain is to see a doctor.

Here are some of the most common heart problems that can cause chest pain, especially on the left side of the chest:

Coronary artery disease (CAD):

Coronary artery disease causes the heart’s blood arteries to narrow, which limits the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. It could feel like a squeeze or pressure in your arm, jaw, back, or shoulder.

Myocarditis:

The pain of myocarditis can be quite similar to that of a heart attack. Pain in the upper neck and shoulder muscles can be intense and constant. When you breathe, swallow food, or lie on your back, it can sometimes get worse.

Lung disorders can also cause chest pain. You may have lung disease if you experience right-sided chest pain. Chest pain can be caused by the following lung conditions:

Pericarditis:

When the sac around the heart becomes inflamed or infected, this condition can develop. It may feel like a tense muscle and generate sharp, continuous discomfort along the upper neck and shoulders.

Mitral valve prolapse:

This is a rarer condition, in which one of the heart valves does not close properly and causes chest pain, dizziness and palpitations.

Pneumonia:

This is an infection of the lungs that can cause pleurisy and other types of chest pain like deep chest pain.

Lung cancer:

In the early stages of lung cancer there are often no symptoms, telltale signs may include a persistent cough and pain in the chest or back that is unrelated to cough pain.

When to consult a cardiologist for chest pain?

Call 112 immediately if you feel pain or a pinching sensation in your chest and have any of the following additional symptoms of a heart attack:

• Rapid or irregular pulse
• Weakness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Vomiting or nausea

You should consult the doctor immediately if you experience chest pain.. Tell them about any other symptoms you’re having besides your chest pain, as well as how bad the pain

Chest Pain Advisors

See a doctor for any non-emergency chest pain. The doctor can assess your symptoms and may refer you to the next specialist for further treatment.

• Cardiologists
• Interventional Cardiologists
• Electrophysiologists
• Cardiac and vascular surgeons
• Pulmonologists
• Oncologists
• Thoracic surgeons

You can help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis by telling him about your chest pain in as much detail as possible, as well as any other changes in your condition. The more information your doctor has about your chest discomfort, the easier it will be for them to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.