Every time there is chest pain, most people tend to think of “heart disease” first, especially chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, which may be a sign of heart disease. If you are one of those worried that you or someone close to you may be at risk of heart disease, don’t just think about it… let’s get checked to be sure which type of chest pain is truly a symptom of “heart disease”!!
Frequent left-sided chest pain may not always be heart disease
Although chest pain that feels tight and pressing, as if something is pressing on the left side of the chest near the center, or pain radiating to the arm, is often seen in heart disease, it does not necessarily indicate heart disease 100%. Some people experience pain like indigestion or pain in the epigastric area, which may not definitively indicate heart disease.
In addition to the heart, the left chest area also contains the heart muscle, soft ribs, and numerous nerves. If we engage in excessive physical activity or exercise, or maintain poor posture, it can also cause sharp, stabbing chest pain.
Diagnosis of heart disease must consider other symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, as well as risk groups such as those with high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or diabetes.
Tight chest pain… due to insufficient blood supply to the heart
Actually, tight chest pain from heart disease is a condition of coronary artery disease where the blood vessels narrow, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the heart, causing chest pain. The characteristic symptoms include tight pain in the center of the chest, which may radiate to the neck, back, or one or both arms. Additionally, symptoms such as sweating, nausea, fatigue, and palpitations may also occur.
Warning signs of “heart disease” – see a doctor immediately if you have these symptoms
- Chest pain characterized by tightness and pressure, as if something is pressing on the chest; some may experience pain radiating to the arm
- Feeling easily tired, shortness of breath, rapid breathing; some may be unable to speak or have noisy breathing
- Often experiencing abnormal rapid or irregular heartbeat, causing palpitations, which may be accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
- Swollen legs caused by blood in the legs being unable to flow to the right side of the heart due to blockage, resulting in abnormal leg swelling
- Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness, which medically may be caused by cardiac arrest or near cardiac arrest
Check to know if it is “heart disease” or not?
Initially, the doctor will take a history of symptoms and suspected illnesses, including the patient’s risk factors. Then, a general physical examination of all body systems, including the cardiovascular system, will be performed. The doctor will listen to the heartbeat, measure blood pressure, perform a chest X-ray, and conduct an electrocardiogram (EKG). An exercise stress test (EST) will be done for those who are able to use a treadmill. For those unable to run on a treadmill, a high-frequency echocardiogram (Echocardiography) will be performed.
What diseases can cause chest pain?
In fact, chest pain may not always be a symptom of heart disease. Other diseases can cause chest pain without being related to heart disease, such as acid reflux, pulmonary embolism, pancreatitis, asthma, rib injuries, bruises, or fractures.
We should all regularly observe any abnormalities in our bodies because “the heart” is a serious matter. When abnormalities occur, you should promptly see a doctor to find the cause as soon as possible.
