Often, the cause has nothing to do with the heart — though there's no easy way to tell without seeing a health care provider. Although chest pain is often associated with heart disease, many people with heart disease say they have a vague discomfort that isn't necessarily identified as pain. In general, chest discomfort related to a heart attack or another heart problem may be described by or associated with one or more of the following:.
It can be difficult to distinguish heart-related chest pain from other types of chest pain. However, chest pain that is less likely due to a heart problem is more often associated with:. The classic symptoms of heartburn — a painful, burning sensation behind the breastbone — can be caused by problems with the heart or the stomach. If you have new or unexplained chest pain or think you're having a heart attack, call or emergency medical assistance immediately. Don't ignore the symptoms of a heart attack.
If you can't get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if you have no other option. Some types of chest pain are associated with injuries and other problems affecting the structures that make up the chest wall, including:.
Chest pain care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain With chest pain, every minute counts. The faster you get to hospital for treatment, the better. If any activity brings on chest pain, follow these steps: 1. Stop what you are doing and rest immediately.
Talk — tell someone how you feel. If you take angina medication: Wait 5 minutes. If you still have symptoms — take another dose of your medicine. Wait 5 minutes. Call and chew on mg aspirin if available. Ask for an ambulance. Remember, if you have any doubt about your pain, call an ambulance anyway. Diagnosis of chest pain Before medical treatment can begin, the cause of the pain must be found.
You may a have a lot of tests done including: Electrocardiogram ECG — electrical tracing of the heart activity. Blood tests — to measure markers from the heart and other organs. Chest x-ray — to look at the lungs, heart and major blood vessels of the chest.
Recovering from chest pain If your doctor has ruled out serious causes of chest pain, it is likely you will make a full recovery. In the first few days at home, try to take it easy. Rest if you feel tired. Slowly increase your activity, as you are able. There is no need to limit work or strenuous activity including sex if you feel well.
Follow up with your local doctor GP when recommended by your treating doctor. Reduce your risk of heart attack Ways to reduce your risk of heart attack include: Try to cut down or quit smoking — call Quitline on 13 78 48 to help you stop smoking and feel healthy again. Be physically active — on most, if not all days of the week. Eating a variety of healthy foods — with plenty of wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins and fats.
Watch your weight — keep a healthy weight by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. See your doctor for a heart health check to assess your risk of having a heart attack at least every two years. If you are at higher risk, more frequently is recommended. Take your medication as directed. Heart attack warning signs resources , Heart Foundation, Australia. In this article, learn about many potential causes of chest pain and the other symptoms they cause.
Inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the ribs can result in persistent chest pain. If the pain becomes worse with activity, then it may be a symptom of a muscle strain.
Injuries to the ribs , such as bruises, breaks, and fractures , can cause chest pain. A person may have heard a crack or felt extreme pain at the time of injury if they have a broken rib. Peptic ulcers , which are sores in the stomach lining, do not usually cause intense pain. However, they can result in a recurring discomfort in the chest. Taking antacids, which are available to purchase online and in pharmacies, can usually relieve pain caused by peptic ulcers. GERD refers to when the contents of the stomach move back up into the throat.
It can cause a burning feeling in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth. Asthma is a common breathing disorder characterized by inflammation in the airways, which can cause chest pain. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. When air builds up in the space between the lungs and ribs, a lung can collapse, causing sudden chest pain when breathing.
If someone has a collapsed lung, they will also experience shortness of breath, tiredness , and a rapid heart rate. Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage. This condition can cause chest pain. Costochondritis pain may get worse when sitting or lying in certain positions, as well as when a person does any physical activity.
Esophageal contraction disorders are spasms or contractions in the food pipe. These disorders can also cause chest pain. Changes in pressure in the food pipe or the presence of acid can sometimes cause severe pain.
At present, experts are not sure what causes this sensitivity. If the food pipe bursts, this can result in sudden, intense chest pain. An esophageal rupture may occur after intense vomiting or an operation involving the esophagus. If so, your chest pain likely comes from a lung problem such as pneumonia or asthma. Angina will worsen if you try to exercise.
Not all chest pain is serious, yet the symptoms of heart attack vary widely. Our expert explains. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy.
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