1. Which doctor should I consult for chest pain?
You must initially consult your GP who may refer you to the cardiologist.
|
2. What is the difference between chest pain and angina?
Chest pain is a general term used to describe pain in the chest region for which there are many reasons. However angina is chest pain that arises due to heart-related problems.
|
3. Is it necessary to take chest pain seriously?
Yes it is important to take chest pain seriously until proven otherwise.
|
4. Are heart diseases curable?
Heart diseases are not curable but they are definitely treatable.
|
5. When is chest pain an emergency?
Chest pain can denote a benign condition or it could be a sign of a life-threatening condition.
|
6. How is the patient expected to differentiate?
The following are indications by which the patient can understand if the chest pain is serious:-
• Sudden feeling of tightness or a crushing or squeezing sensation in the chest
• Pain that radiates to the jaw, left arm or between shoulder blades
• Nausea or dizziness
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath /palpitations
• Angina symptoms occur even when resting
• Sharp chest pain after a journey
• Chest pains should also be taken seriously if the patient is middle aged, obese, a known diabetic or hypertensive or has a family history of heart problems. Actually there are no set rules. Sometimes even a minor chest pain could turn out to be due to something grave such as CAD. It is also important to seek medical attention if chest wall pain in a person persists or if the person has fever and cough that produces green color phlegm.
|