Cardiac Chest Pain
What is Cardiac Chest Pain?
Cardiac chest pain, or angina, refers to a condition in which chest pain is caused by the heart muscle not receiving sufficient oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a sign of an underlying heart condition, for example, coronary artery disease.
Causes of Cardiac Chest Pain
The most frequent explanation for cardiac chest pain is coronary artery narrowing or blockage that supplies blood to the heart muscle. The cause of this narrowing or blockage can be:
Atherosclerosis (fatty buildup inside the arteries)
Blood clots
Spasm of the coronary arteries
Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Chest Pain
The signs of cardiac chest pain may differ in different individuals but typical signs and symptoms are:
A sensation of squeezing or pressure in the chest
Arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Types of Cardiac Chest Pain
There are two principal types of cardiac chest pain:
Stable Angina: This occurs when the heart muscle requires more oxygen than normal, such as during exercise or stress. The discomfort usually resolves with rest or medication.
Unstable Angina: This form of chest pain appears without warning, even while at rest, and may be indicative of a more severe heart disease.
When to Get Medical Care
If you have any of the following, get medical care right away:
Severe pain or pressure in the chest
Chest pain that travels to the arm, neck, or jaw
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Nausea or vomiting
Diagnosing Cardiac Chest Pain
Your doctor will use the following to diagnose cardiac chest pain:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Stress test
Echocardiogram
Coronary angiogram
Treatment Options
Treatment of cardiac chest pain is based on the underlying cause and can involve:
Medications to manage symptoms and avoid complications
Healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a good diet
Angioplasty or stenting to widen blocked coronary arteries
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery
Prevention
To lower your risk of cardiac chest pain, do the following:
Keep your weight in check
Exercise on a regular basis
Follow a good diet
Deal with stress
Stop smoking
By learning about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of cardiac chest pain, you can do something to guard your heart health and decrease your risk for complications.
