Chest Pain

Chest pain may develop from any number of causes, but it’s not a symptom you should ignore. Nchang Taka, MD, and the team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic in Columbus, Georgia, provide preventive, medical, and interventional care for people at risk of or with heart conditions that cause chest pain. The team provides high-quality, individualized care using cutting-edge treatments. For expert cardiology services from an attentive team, call the office today or schedule an appointment online.

What is chest pain?

Chest pain refers to any pain you feel in your chest. The pain may range from a dull ache to sharp shooting pain that radiates into the neck or arm.

Though you can develop chest pain from any number of causes, it’s not a symptom you should ignore. Chest pain is a symptom of a heart attack, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. 

What are some causes of chest pain?

Chest pain is a symptom of many conditions. Some of the conditions that cause chest pain include:

• Heart attack
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Pericarditis
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Esophagitis
• Ulcer
• Muscle spasms 
• Muscle strain
• Broken ribs
• Gallstones
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Anxiety

GERD is the most common cause of chest pain. However, you should seek medical attention when you have chest pain to rule out a heart attack.

What are chest pain symptoms of concern?

Heart-related chest pain symptoms may differ slightly from other types of chest pain. For example, if you only have chest pain during exercise (angina), you may have CAD. 

If your chest pain is sudden and severe and causes shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. These are symptoms of a heart attack.  

What can I expect during a chest evaluation?

You can expect a patient-centered exam when you visit Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic for a chest pain evaluation. The team aims to find the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.

They review your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They may run various diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your chest pain, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, echocardiogram, and bloodwork.

What are treatments for chest pain?

Treatment for chest pain depends on the cause. The team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic takes a proactive approach to cardiovascular health and talks to you about their findings. They individualize your treatment plan, so you get the best health outcomes.

Treatment for chest pain may include:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Disease-specific medication

If medical interventions fail to improve your chest pain, the team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic may perform an interventional cardiology procedure at the cath lab to treat the root cause of your discomfort.

For expert cardiology care, call Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic or schedule an appointment online today. The practice has short wait times for appointments.