Medically reviewed by the Rice Emergency Room Medical Team

 

Chest pain emergencies can be serious, and it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing chest pain right now.

Look out for chest pain that is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or nausea. These are key symptoms of a potentially more serious condition, which needs to be treated right away at an ER.

When you get to an Emergency Room, an emergency medicine Physician will often begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your chest pain. This can include a review of your medical history, and diagnostic tests such as blood work or an electrocardiogram (ECG). They might also order imaging scans like an X-ray or CT scan to get a clearer picture of what is going on in your body.

Symptoms of Chest Pain Emergencies

Symptoms of chest pain may include pressure or tightness in the chest area, as well as aching or squeezing feeling in the middle of the chest that can spread to other parts of the body, such as the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, and upper abdomen. Other potential symptoms may include stomach pain, heartburn, indigestion or nausea; breathing difficulty; dizziness or light-headedness; fainting; sweating; and other discomforts.

Causes of Chest Pain

The most common cause of chest pain is muscle strain or tension in the chest muscles. This type of chest pain usually resolves quickly with rest and over-the-counter pain medication. Another common cause is heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid seeps up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest and throat. Heartburn typically responds well to antacids or medications intended to reduce stomach acid production.

Other potential causes include lung infections, such as pneumonia or fungal infection; anxiety or stress; and certain medications. Some cancers can also cause chest pain, so it’s important to check with your Doctor if your chest pain does not resolve quickly or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or coughing up blood.

Angina and Chest Pain

Angina is a key cause of chest pain, which is due to reduced blood flow to the heart. This condition happens when there are blockages in the arteries or damage to the heart muscle, and it can be a sign of serious cardiovascular issues like a heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms of angina may include shortness of breath, tightness or pressure in the chest, palpitations, sweating, nausea, and dizziness.

Treatment options typically include medications and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and managing stress levels. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most people with angina are able to manage their condition effectively and enjoy long-term health and well-being.

Heart Attack

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a severe blockage or reduction in the blood flow to the heart. This can happen due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart arteries, known as plaques. When these plaques rupture or become unstable, they can form blood clots that further restrict or completely prevent blood flow to the heart. Without adequate blood flow, the heart muscle may be damaged or destroyed, leading to serious complications.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a possible heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention right away. There are many treatments that can help to restore blood flow and prevent further damage, including medications such as aspirin or nitroglycerin to help improve blood flow, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or making dietary modifications, and in some cases, surgery or other procedures.

Rice Emergency Room

Rice Emergency Room is open 24/7 365 and located near downtown Houston near West U and medical center. We are staffed with specialized Board Certified ER Physicians that can evaluate your chest pain and provide immediate emergency treatment.