Chest Pain Q & A

What heart conditions cause chest pain?

You should always take chest pain seriously because it’s the most common symptom of a heart attack, as well as conditions such as:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Aortic dissection
  • Aortic stenosis
  • Heart valve disease
  • Inflamed heart muscles
  • Inflamed pericardium
  • Heart murmur
  • Atrial fibrillation

In addition to atrial fibrillation, you can have other types of arrhythmias, and they can all cause chest pain.

What type of chest pain is angina?

Angina specifically refers to chest pain that occurs from blocked blood flow to your heart. That type of blockage often develops due to coronary artery disease, but you could also have a blood clot.

Most people experience angina when they start to exercise. Then the pain improves when they rest. However, if your angina occurs when you're not active, or you have severe pain, it's a red flag signaling a heart attack.

What symptoms accompany chest pain?

Heart conditions that cause chest pain often have additional symptoms. You may also experience:

  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Leg swelling
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue

If your chest pain signals a heart attack, you could also have pain in your back, neck, jaw, and one or both arms. Many people feel chest pressure instead of pain. During a heart attack, the pain also gets worse. If you suspect you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911.

How is chest pain treated?

Your provider quickly assesses your symptoms and completes diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram. After ruling out a heart attack, they diagnose the cause of your chest pain and create a customized treatment plan.

Though your treatment depends on the cause of your chest pain, most heart conditions need lifestyle changes and medications. Your provider may prescribe medications that improve heart function or treat the condition responsible for your heart disease, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

The cardiologists at Advanced Heart Care Associates also have years of experience implanting devices like pacemakers and performing heart catheterization procedures to treat the underlying condition. For example, they may repair a faulty valve or perform angioplasty and stenting to open a blocked artery.

If you experience ongoing or severe chest pain, call Advanced Heart Care Associates or book an appointment online today.