Chest Pain Symptoms and Treatment Options to Relieve You of Your Debilitating Symptoms

Chest pain is worrying. However, it is not always a sign that you have a heart attack. You will most likely have chest pain because of an imbalance between your heart’s blood supply and your heart muscle’s oxygen needs. Chest pain can either be cardiac-related or non-cardiac related and your doctor will devise a treatment plan depending on your symptoms’ causes. Cardiovascular expert Anthony Lewis has considerable experience in diagnosing and treating chest pain in Port Saint Lucie. Dr. Lewis and his team at TLC Medical Group provide modern treatment options to relieve patients from painful symptoms and help them live fulfilling lives.

chest pain in Port Saint Lucie

What are some of the typical symptoms you are likely to experience with chest pains?

Chest pains vary depending on the pain’s root cause. The pain does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your heart. However, you cannot rule that out without contacting your doctor.

Heart-related (or cardiac) chest pain

If your pain is related to a heart problem, symptoms may include:

  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness
  • Cold sweats
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain during exertion
  • Pressure or fullness in your chest
  • Pain that radiates to other parts of your body

Though it is hard to distinguish between cardiac chest pain and non-cardiac chest pain, you might have the following symptoms when your chest pain less likely the result of a heart condition

  • Trouble swallowing or eating
  • Persistent pain
  • Chest tenderness
  • Fever
  • Aches
  • Hyperventilating
  • An acidic or sour taste in the mouth
  • Pain that improves or worsens with specific body positions
  • Pain that worsens when you cough or breathe deeply

What are your treatment options when you have chest pain?

Your doctor will diagnose and suggest an option depending on your symptoms’ root cause before recommending treatment. Your treatment options might include:

Medications. Drugs your doctor will use to treat most chest pain causes include:

  • Thrombolytic drugs
  • Artery relaxers
  • Blood thinners
  • Acid-suppressing medications
  • Antidepressants

Surgical and other possible procedures your doctor might recommend include:

  • Bypass surgery. During a bypass procedure, your doctor will remove a blood vessel from another body part and use it to create an alternative route, avoiding your blocked artery.
  • Lung reinflation. Your doctor will insert a tiny tube in your chest during the procedure to reinflate your lung if you have a collapsed lung.
  • Dissection repair. In case of an aortic dissection, your care provider will recommend emergency surgery to repair the condition.
  • Angioplasty and stent placement. If your pain results from a blockage in an artery, your doctor will recommend the treatment to keep the blood vessel open.

Can you prevent chest pain?

It is possible to prevent chest pain. You could minimize your cardiac disease risk factors by following your doctor’s instructions and taking your prescribed medications. You could also prevent non-cardiac chest pain by watching out for the pain’s underlying causes. For instance, avoid situations likely to increase issues like pneumonia, chest trauma, or chest muscle strain.

Chest pain is not always a sign of a heart attack. However, it is the first test your doctor will request because it is a potential threat to your life. Schedule an appointment today with your doctor to know the possible cause for your chest pain and how to alleviate your symptoms.