5 Treatable Causes of Chest Pain
Chest pain can be alarming, but the good news is, it’s not always dangerous, it’s almost always treatable. Here, learn about five causes of chest pain that can be relieved with proper medical care.
Do Heart Attacks Always Cause Chest Pain?
February is American Heart Month, which means it’s a perfect time to get to know your heart a little bit better. You can begin by dispelling one of the most common misconceptions about heart health — the myth that heart attacks always cause chest pain.
That’s right, even though chest pain is a very common symptom of a heart attack, you can have a heart attack without extreme pain — or without any pain at all. That means it’s really important to learn to recognize the other signs and symptoms of heart attacks, so you can get medical care at the first sign of trouble.
At TLC Medical Group, Anthony B. Lewis MD, FACC, and his team educate patients about their heart health, providing patient-centered care to help women and men enjoy better heart health at every age. Here’s what Dr. Lewis wants you to know about chest pain and heart attacks.
How heart attacks happen
Like any other organ, your heart needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to function normally. When that blood supply is interrupted, you can wind up having chest pain or, in more severe cases, a heart attack.
Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease. CAD happens when the arteries that supply your heart with blood are partially or completely blocked. These blockages are usually caused by a sticky build-up of cholesterol, but sometimes, blockages happen when the arteries spasm and don’t relax.
In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds, and more than 800,000 people have a heart attack every year, according to the CDC.
Heart attacks and chest pain
Typically, the decrease in oxygen-rich blood causes your heart to “cramp up,” sending out pain signals that serve as a kind of distress call, letting you know that your heart is in trouble.
But even though chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for both women and men, not all heart attacks cause chest pain. In fact, about 20% of heart attacks are “silent” — not associated with significant pain or any pain at all.
Silent heart attacks are usually associated with other symptoms, like:
- Sudden dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Indigestion or heartburn feelings
- Numbness in your arm or hand
- Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
- Profuse sweating or “cold sweats”
- Nausea
- Intense pressure in your chest, arm, or belly
Sometimes, a heart attack causes pain in areas other than the chest. Neck pain, jaw pain, arm pain, and pain in the back or belly can also happen during a heart attack.
It’s also important to know that while heart attacks are common among both women and men, women are more likely to experience these other “less-common” symptoms, like nausea, shortness of breath, or jaw and back pain.
Make heart health a priority this month — and every month
Regardless of gender, if you’re having any of these symptoms, you shouldn’t ignore them — especially if you have heart attack risk factors like:
- History of heart disease
- Obesity
- Smoking habit
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
Having regular heart check-ups plays an important role in keeping your heart healthy, especially as you get older.
To schedule your cardiac check-up at our Port St. Lucie, Florida, practice, call 772-200-3840 or book an appointment online with TLC Medical Group today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Practical Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack
Heart attacks are a common problem for both women and men, but fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your heart and prevent an attack. Here, learn simple, actionable steps you can take to improve heart health today.
5 Reasons to Take High Blood Pressure Seriously
High blood pressure is extremely common, and without treatment, it can cause a variety of serious medical problems. Here are five reasons you should take extra care to manage your blood pressure to avoid complications.
How to Make Sense of Your Echocardiogram Results
Echocardiograms provide detailed information about the structure and function of your heart, and the reports they produce can be complex and intimidating. This quick guide can help — and so can talking with your doctor.
Is Coronary Artery Disease Reversible?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious medical issue, and it’s extremely common, too. Luckily, you can take steps to reduce CAD risks and even potentially slow or reverse disease progression. Here’s how.
Male vs. Female Heart Attack Symptoms
Even though heart attacks happen to women and men at about the same rates, the symptoms men and women experience can differ significantly. Here, learn what symptoms to look for to immediately seek treatment.