So, what you describe to the doctor and your medical history are extremely important in determining the initial steps in your treatment. Clear answers to these questions go a long way toward nailing down a diagnosis. A few seconds of recurrent stabbing pain is less likely to be a heart attack see box , while pain centered in the chest that spreads out to the left arm or jaw is more likely to be one. Pain or pressure accompanied by other signs, such as difficulty breathing, a cold sweat, or sudden nausea.
Pain or pressure that appears during or after physical exertion or emotional stress heart attack or while you are at rest unstable angina. Unlike an achy knee or crabby lower back, chest pain isn't something to shrug off until tomorrow. It also isn't something to diagnose at home. Don't play doctor — go see one, fast, if you are worried about pain or discomfort in your chest, upper back, left arm, or jaw; or suddenly faint or develop a cold sweat, nausea, or vomiting.
Call or your local emergency number to summon an emergency medical crew. It will whisk you to the hospital in a vehicle full of equipment that can start the diagnosis and keep you stable if your heart really is in trouble. Pain from a heart attack isn't confined to the area around the heart. The most typical locations are marked in dark red; light red shows other possible areas. What if it isn't a heart attack?
You will be evaluated as if you are having one and, when it is ruled out as the cause of your symptoms, your doctors will look for the actual cause.
They won't be mad at you for crying wolf. Instead, they should congratulate you for taking action if they don't, we will and work with you to get at the root of your chest pain and ease it. If the cause was indigestion, a panic attack, or another possibly recurring condition, the emergency department doctors and your primary care physician can help you interpret what your body is telling you.
Chest pain is serious business. The cause may be related to the heart, the muscles, the digestive system, or psychological factors. Underlying causes of chest pain may be mild, as in the case of acid reflux. Or, they may be serious and indicate, for example, a heart attack. It is important to recognize warning signs and look for accompanying symptoms. In this article, we explore the possible causes of chest pain that comes and goes. We also describe how to tell when the pain is heart-related, and when to see a doctor.
Pain in the chest that comes and goes may signal a problem with the heart, respiratory system, or digestion. Also, in some people, it occurs during panic attacks. There is no way to accurately self-diagnose chest pain based on symptoms alone. See a doctor if chest pain keeps coming back, gets worse, or accompanies other symptoms. Pain that lasts for weeks or months is unlikely to be caused by a life-threatening emergency.
The issue is more likely related to the muscles or skeletal structure. Heart problems are less likely to cause pain that:. Many types of chest pain come and go.
Even the pain of a heart attack may temporarily get better, then return. To better understand the cause of chest pain, look carefully for other symptoms, and keep in mind any risk factors for medical conditions. A wide variety of gastrointestinal problems can lead to pain in the chest or near the ribs. For example:. When a person has acid reflux, chest pain tends to be more intense shortly after a meal.
Also, it may be worse after consuming alcohol or fatty foods. If a person suspects that chest pain is related to a stomach or liver issue, it is important to see a doctor. However, this type of pain does not usually signal an emergency.
Chest pain can be a frightening symptom of a panic attack, and it may make a person feel more anxious. The pain can be similar to that of a heart attack. Some people with panic attacks may feel as if they are dying.
These attacks often go away with deep breathing. Angina symptoms can vary from person to person, between men and women see below , and by the type of angina you have.
The main symptoms of angina are:. Be aware Women may describe their angina symptoms differently than men. They are more likely to experience:. When to call your doctor If you have chest pain that is new, worsening or constant, seek medical care immediately. You are at greater risk of:. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and give you a complete physical exam.
They may also run tests:. Angina is often controlled with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Medication may help prevent or relieve the symptoms of angina. If medication is prescribed for you, take it exactly as directed. Angina caused by blocked arteries can be treated surgically. By widening or bypassing the affected arteries, more blood can flow to your heart. Procedures might include:. Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help you recover after a heart attack or from other heart conditions.
Rehab has two parts:. You can lower your risk of developing other heart diseases and stroke by knowing and controlling your blood pressure, diabetes and blood cholesterol. Find someone you can turn to for emotional support like a family member, friend, doctor, mental health worker or support group.
Talking about your challenges and feelings could be an important part of your journey to recovery. How is angina different from a heart attack?
A fact sheet on refractory angina. A fact sheet on cardiac syndrome X. To find useful services to help you on your journey with heart disease, see our services and resources listing.
Donate now. Heart disease Conditions A-Z Angina. Jump to Angina or heart attack? What is angina? All chest pain should be checked out by a healthcare provider. Is it angina or a heart attack? When does angina happen? Often during physical activity or stress. Angina, which becomes more common as people age, can be a sign of other significant health issues, like coronary artery disease. The majority of people who experience angina do so because of plaque buildup on the wall of one or more coronary arteries that slowly and steadily constricts blood flow to the heart.
If that artery suddenly becomes completely blocked, a heart attack occurs. There are two major types of angina: stable angina and unstable angina. Other variations of angina exist, but they are rare. Stable angina keeps a reliable pattern. That is, the symptoms only happen under certain, often predictable, circumstances and usually last less than 10 minutes—but always less than 20 minutes—before they go away. Often, exercise, emotional stress, or large meals trigger this kind of angina.
Unstable angina means the pattern is changing or getting worse. In this case, the symptoms may come on more frequently or easily, such as with less exertion.
They may also be more severe, and they may last longer. They can also occur with little to no stress or activity.
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