For most individuals, chest pain is one of the defining signs of a heart attack, and if you are experiencing chest pain, a heart attack is often the first thought that springs to mind. However, chest pain can be caused by various factors. The first step in receiving the appropriate care is figuring out what is triggering your chest pain. Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC, and his Heart Vascular and Leg Center staff utilize cutting-edge techniques and technology to evaluate and address chest pain with an individualized strategy for the best results. Here is all you need to know about Bakersfield chest pain and how to treat it.
What Are the Prevalent Causes of Chest Pain?
- Angina
Whenever blood flow towards your heart is impeded, generally by a constricted artery, angina develops. Although rare, angina also results from Vasospasm, a disorder whereby your coronary arteries constrict, reducing flow to your heart.
- Heart Attack
Once blood supply to the heart is blocked, a heart attack occurs. It is often linked to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or coronary artery illness. Besides chest pain, a heart attack could generate various symptoms, including:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sweating profusely
- Chest pressure or tightness
- Breathing problems
- Back or neck pain
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Whenever the sphincter that separates your stomach and esophagus fails, acid can back up into your esophagus, causing GERD. It is akin to heartburn, but it is usually a persistent condition requiring professional help.
- Lung Issues
Several lung concerns could cause chest pain, including:
- Lung collapse
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clotting in the lungs)
- Pleurisy (swelling of the lungs)
- Respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia
- Myocarditis or pericarditis
Myocarditis is swelling of the heart muscle, whereas pericarditis is swelling of the sac around the heart. If not diagnosed early, both of these conditions could lead to serious complications, including persistent and intensifying chest pain.
- Gallbladder disease
Bile is stored in the gallbladder and utilized to disintegrate fats in the meals you ingest. However, if you have a gallstone or other issue with your gallbladder, you may experience discomfort in your chest.
- Anxiety attack
Chronic stress and blatant panic episodes could result in chest pain, combined with dizziness, breathlessness, and other signs comparable to heart attacks.
- Muscle Or Bone Problems
A fractured rib could trigger chronic and acute chest pain (based on the seriousness of fracture). Other bone-related concerns include costochondritis and arthritis, as well as muscle stresses in your back or chest.
How To Diagnose and Address Chest Pain?
Various health concerns could result in chest pain. Thus, obtaining a precise diagnosis is vital. Dr. Kumar and his staff begin diagnosis with a physical assessment and electrocardiogram. If necessary, they order blood tests and X-rays along with other diagnostic imaging procedures.
If a cardiac condition is responsible for your chest pain, your physician will offer treatment to alleviate your symptoms and protect your heart. Your strategy might include medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgery to improve blood flow based on your requirements.
Whether caused by a heart attack or not, chest pain is a significant problem that must be addressed right away to avoid potential complications. To learn more about the various causes of chest pain and the available treatment choices, schedule an initial consultation through mobile or book online.
