Have you ever experienced chest pain so intense that you wondered, “Could I be at risk for heart disease?” Many people experience similar symptoms and worry about their implications. In this article, we’ll address your concerns about chest pain and explore whether it could be related to heart disease.
Chest Pain: A Symptom You Shouldn’t Ignore
Chest pain can arise from various factors, ranging from muscle inflammation and acid reflux to more serious conditions like heart disease. So how can you determine if this pain is dangerous? Let’s explore the symptoms you should be aware of.
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain that feels like something is poking or pinching, occurring intermittently.
- Pain when breathing, moving, or changing positions.
- Pain that can be pinpointed to a specific area.
- Pain that occurs intermittently, lasts for seconds or persists for months or years.
These types of pain are less likely to be related to heart disease, but they should not be ignored. If the pain does not subside or occurs frequently, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
What types of chest pain are considered dangerous?
- Chest pain that feels like a tightness or pressure, as if something is squeezing or compressing your chest
- Chest pain accompanied by sweating and feeling cold
- Chest pain associated with fainting or loss of consciousness
- Chest pain that worsens when lying flat and is accompanied by shortness of breath
- Chest pain that radiates to the middle of the back, neck, jaw, or the inner side of the left arm
If you experience any of these types of chest pain and the symptoms do not subside within 20-30 minutes, it is considered a medical emergency and may indicate a serious heart condition. Individuals with such chest pain should see a doctor immediately for evaluation and treatment, as prompt medical intervention could be life-saving.
Can you still have heart disease if you have never experienced chest pain?
Statistics show that more than half of patients with acute heart disease had no prior warning signs such as chest pain. So, what other factors increase the risk of heart disease? Heart disease can be hereditary and passed down through genetics. If you have a family history of heart disease, such as relatives who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty, your risk may be higher. This is especially true for men over 40 and women over 55. Additionally, heart disease can also be influenced by lifestyle factors. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, stress, and lack of regular exercise all contribute to an increased risk of heart disease or coronary artery disease.
Heart Disease Risk Assessment Program
Phyathai Nawamin Hospital offers a service to assess the risk of coronary artery disease through a CT Calcium Score test. This test detects calcium deposits in the heart, which may accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, heart valves, or the pericardium. The most concerning deposits are those on the walls of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. These calcium deposits often occur years before the onset of heart disease symptoms, allowing for early detection of potential heart disease risk based on the amount of calcium present. Additionally, individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or who smoke are at increased risk for acute myocardial infarction due to sudden blood vessel blockage.
Schedule Your Heart Health Assessment at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
Our hospital features a comprehensive Heart Center equipped with the latest technology. Services include an OPD center, exercise stress testing, and high-frequency ultrasound echocardiography. We also have a team of experienced doctors, nurses, and multidisciplinary professionals with over 20 years of expertise in heart disease treatment. We have successfully treated more than 3,400 patients, many of whom have recovered and returned to their normal lives.
Whether you have concerns about your symptoms or simply want to ensure your heart health, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital is here to provide professional care. Don’t let your heart be at risk—schedule a heart health assessment with us today. Your heart is important, and we are committed to keeping it strong.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like those described, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice and diagnosis. Call us at 02 944 7111 or visit our website to schedule your heart health checkup. We are here to support you every step of the way.
