Chest pain is a symptom which causes fears in almost every individual. This is becausefew causes leading to chest pain are potentially life threatening. In this post we will talk about the basics of chest pain evaluation and treatment. Please feel free to post your questions.
Chest Pain: Podcast
What happens when I go to the emergency department for chest pain?
When you arrive at the emergency department for chest pain, the staff will perform an exam and run various tests to determine the cause of your pain. It’s important to remember that the cause of chest pain isn’t always immediately obvious, but doctors can typically determine if your heart is in trouble. Some tests are done right away to quickly identify serious issues, while others may be conducted later in the hospital.
What are some of the common tests performed in the emergency department for chest pain?
Several tests are commonly used to evaluate chest pain. These include: an Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures your heart’s electrical activity to detect a heart attack; blood tests to check for chemicals released during a heart attack; and a Chest X-ray to identify other potential causes of chest pain.
What other tests might be done to investigate the cause of chest pain?
Beyond the initial tests, doctors might perform a Stress test, where you exercise on a treadmill (or receive medication) while having an ECG, to see if your heart gets enough blood during physical activity. A Cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography) involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel to visualize blocked arteries in your heart. An Echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of your beating heart and identify abnormal pumping. Finally, a CT scan is a specialized X-ray that can examine the blood vessels leading to your heart.
Can doctors always immediately identify the cause of chest pain?
No, doctors cannot always immediately identify the cause of chest pain. The source states that “The cause of chest pain is not always easy to find.” However, medical staff are usually able to determine if your heart is in serious trouble, even if the exact cause of the pain isn’t immediately known.
What is the purpose of an Electrocardiogram (ECG) in chest pain evaluation?
The purpose of an Electrocardiogram (ECG) is to measure the electrical activity in your heart. This test is crucial because it can help doctors determine if you are currently experiencing a heart attack.
Why are blood tests important when evaluating chest pain?
Blood tests are important because during a heart attack, the heart releases specific chemicals. If these chemicals are detected in your blood, it can indicate that you are having a heart attack.
What happens if it's determined that my chest pain is not heart-related?
If your chest pain is found to be related to something other than your heart, your doctor will discuss the next steps with you. This might involve additional tests or treatments specific to the identified cause of your pain.
What is the most important thing to remember if I am having a heart attack?
The most important thing to remember if you are having a heart attack is that every minute counts when it comes to keeping your heart muscle alive! The sooner you receive treatment for a heart attack, the more effective the treatment will be in reducing damage to your heart and relieving your pain.
Take Home Message
Even though chest pain has certain life-threatening causes, timely consultation with your physician or a visit to ER for evaluation can lead to a prompt diagnosis and treatment of those life-threatening diseases, and can lead to a favourable prognosis.