Chest Pain can be very distressing. The first thought is that it is a heart attack, and while it could be, there are quite a few other things that can cause you to have chest pain. Dr. Naim Al-Adli at Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX will perform the tests necessary to diagnose what is causing your pain and provide the necessary treatment.
Heartburn
Heartburn is often a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can cause severe chest pain and is frequently mistaken for a heart attack. When stomach acid moves up into the esophagus, it causes severe pain behind the breastbone usually described as a burning sensation. About half of all cases that end up in the emergency room and are not heart attacks are heartburn. It happens about eight million times a year. If the pain seems to be moving up into your throat, you have an acid taste in your mouth, or it gets worse when you lay down, it is most likely heartburn.
Angina
Angina is caused by one area of your heart suffering from decreased blood flow. It can be a symptom of coronary artery disease. The symptoms are very similar to a heart attack and if you have any doubt about whether it is angina or a heart attack seek medical help immediately. If you are having chest pain, tightness, or pressure in the center of your chest, if you feel lightheaded or dizzy, if your heart is beating rapidly or irregularly, if you have been exercising, and if the pain spreads down into your arms, these are all symptoms that can be angina.
But, there are more than one kind of angina and the symptoms may vary. The good news is the damage from angina is not permanent.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that has moved into the lungs and is blocking the artery. It can be a deadly condition and many of the symptoms mimic a heart attack. It is just as important to get medical treatment quickly for a pulmonary embolism as it is to get treatment for a heart attack. If you are suffering from chest pain in Sugar Land, TX get medical help as quickly as possible.
If you have concerns about chest pain call Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX to get help from Dr. Al-Adli. The office can be reached at (281) 265-8500 for an appointment.