All chest pains are not a heart attack? Bursting the myth
Many times we see the patients coming with chest pain and asking with little fear, that doctor, Is it related to heart issue?
Normally we calm down the patient and do a careful history and examination and guide him whether patient require a further check up or not?
Cardiac and Non-cardiac chest pain?
If there is any history of trauma/fall/heavy weight lifting, then usually it will be a non-cardiac pain.In these type of patient even simple chest x ray may show a minor fracture or rib fracture after fall or while examining increase in pain while pressing the pain area (tenderness) will indicate the non-cardiac nature of pain.
Many patient complain of pain while lying down and no pain while walking. That also indicates the non-cardiac nature of pain as heart (cardiac) pain will increase mainly while exertion like walking or running or doing physical activity.
If you are feeling sharp, shooting or stabbing type of pain in your chest area then usually it is because of non cardiac pain like nerve pain or joint pain or both.
Sometimes patient with recent injury and chest pain may show anxiety and panic symptoms. In that case it is difficult to differentiate. So careful history and examination and investigations like basic ECG, blood pressure and pulse rate are required in these type of patients.
Cardiac pain is usually dull, tightness, squeezing, pressure like feeling, aching or heaviness in the chest area which increases during more activity like doing heavy work / running/ playing / wt lifting or increases with stress.
This discomfort can be felt over jaw , shoulder, arm and upper back also.
Usually chest heaviness is/can associated with tiredness and shortness of breath
In any of the above situations, visit to your doctor and doctor will examine properly and guide you whether to go for cardiac checkup or not but do not ignore these type of symptoms.
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. The information is provided solely for educational purpose and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.
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