“Chest pain,” or “chest tightness,” is a common symptom characterized by discomfort in the front and interior of the chest, as opposed to pain in the back of the chest. It ranks among the most frequently reported symptoms, accounting for approximately 1-2% of all medical symptoms necessitating attention. While chest pain can occur at any age, it is more frequently observed in older individuals, both in women and men.
What causes chest pain?
- Coronary heart disease.
- Pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism and lung cancer.
- Chest pain can also be attributed to abdominal organ-related conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, gastrointestinal gas, flatulence, indigestion, cholecystitis, and gallstone disease.
- Chest pain can also be linked to musculoskeletal conditions affecting the bones and muscles of the neck and thorax, including degenerative spondylosis, pectoral muscle disorders, or costochondritis
- Shingles which typically manifests on the skin of the chest.
- Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, anger, fear, or even a desire for attention can also contribute to chest pain.
Angina is commonly regarded as a warning sign or precursor symptom of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). It often occurs in conjunction with other symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, and pain radiating to one arm or both sides of the neck and jaw.
Warning signs that you may be at risk for heart disease.
- Experiencing fatigue quickly during exercise or brisk walking.
- Breathing difficulties, whether persistent during physical activity or occurring primarily at night
- Chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the central chest region, on the left side, or on both sides.
- Difficulty lying down comfortably due to breathlessness and chest discomfort, which may lead to sudden awakening at night with shortness of breath.
- Fainting episodes without an obvious cause.
- Unexplained swelling in the legs or feet.
- The fingertips, toes, and lips appear discolored with a dark green hue.
- Indications of heart disease that necessitate promptly seeking medical attention.
- Fatigue, chest tightness, and chest pain, which are the most prevalent symptoms.
If the aforementioned symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to sit down and rest.
In cases involving patients with heart disease, if sublingual medication fails to alleviate the symptoms.
Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
Besides chest pain, there are other signs of heart disease to be aware of, including:
Palpitations, which in medical terms, refer to an abnormal sensation of rapid, irregular, or skipped heartbeats. While such sensations may occur in both normal individuals and those with heart conditions or other health issues, it is essential for a doctor to determine their underlying cause. These palpitations may arise due to various factors, including hyperthyroidism, lung disease, and more. To arrive at a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a detailed inquiry into the nature of the palpitations. It’s important to note that patients often experience palpitations when their heart is beating normally. Diagnosing palpitations can be challenging because patients tend to have symptoms that come and go. In many cases, when patients visit the doctor, the palpitations have already subsided, making it difficult to determine whether they are due to an arrhythmia or another cause. To aid in the diagnosis, patients can monitor their own pulse when the symptoms occur, noting the heart rate in beats per minute, its regularity or irregularity, and how long the symptoms persist. This information can assist the doctor in making a more accurate diagnosis.
Shortness of breath, characterized by an abnormally easy or higher-than-normal breathing rate, can manifest with various accompanying symptoms. Patients may experience feelings of tiredness, fatigue, mental exhaustion, and cold extremities. It’s important to note that some of these symptoms, such as tired speech with a normal breathing rate, are generally not indicative of heart disease. Abnormally easy panting, typically occurring during physical activities like walking, running, or working, can have multiple underlying causes, including anemia (resulting in pallor), obesity, high blood pressure, lung disease, and hyperthyroidism. However, when it comes to heart disease, particularly heart failure, fatigue and fast breathing can occur during exertion. In severe cases, patients may experience fatigue even at rest. Some individuals find it so difficult to lie down that they need to sleep with their head elevated or in a seated position (a phenomenon known as orthopnea). Additionally, coughing during sleep can also contribute to feelings of fatigue.
How can you determine whether or not you have heart disease?
The doctor will begin by inquiring about the patient’s medical history, including any potential risk factors.
The doctor will perform a comprehensive examination of all bodily systems, including the cardiovascular system. This examination will involve listening to the patient’s heartbeat and measuring their blood pressure.
The doctor may also recommend a chest X-ray, a standard electrocardiogram (EKG), and an exercise electrocardiogram (Exercise Stress Test: EST) for individuals who may not be able to perform treadmill exercises. Additionally, high-frequency sound echo testing (Echocardiography) may be conducted to assess the heart’s condition.
In cases where there is a suspicion of heart disease, a definitive examination known as coronary artery catheterization, or color injection to visualize the coronary arteries, may be recommended. Detecting and addressing heart disease abnormalities early can lead to more effective treatment and is generally less risky than waiting for an emergency situation, which can be life-threatening.
