Chest OverviewChest pain can be caused by multiple causes. It is often very difficult to diagnose correctly without the help of the proper approach, multiple medical opinions and chest imaging. There are many causes for chest pain and while some diseases present with classic distinguishing features, other issues can present exactly like a heart attack. We will give you an overview so that you can learn more about chest pain because it is a difficult diagnosis to deal with.
Acid Reflux: This is a classic disease that can masquerade as heart attack symptoms. Acid reflux happens when you stomach acid enters the wrong part of your body. This is an area in throat known as the esophagus or the food pipe. Its the pipe that receives and digests all the food that you eat. The food pipe/esophagus then leads to the stomach where it is broken down by a highly acidic fluid mixture known colloquially as stomach acid. This food/acid mixture can enter the food pipe and cause severe chest pain that mimics a heart attack. It is accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, re-introduction of previously eaten food to the mouth and pain in the back of the throat. It is caused by foods that are acidic, spicy, and greasy. Typically this pain can happen after eating a meal. This disease is treated by antacids, histamine-2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Esophageal Spasms: These are random contractions of your food pipe/esophagus that can completely mimic pain caused by a heart attack. It is hard to ever know if you are experiencing a heart attack or an esophageal spasm because the symptoms are so similar. If you have nitrates for chest pain already, nitrates can cure esophageal spasms as well as chest pain due to heart disease. This makes things more difficult to discern. If you are having chest pains the best thing to do is to call 911 and contact your local dispatcher so that you can get assistance. If you have more questions about esophageal spasms call our toll free number. For further questions call 1 919-759-5460. |
The Heart Attack |
Heart attacks are caused by a blockage in the arteries or pipes that supply your heart tissue with nutrients and oxygen. If you heart does not have oxygen it will suffocate and eventually the heart tissue will die. These pipes are call the coronary arteries and are the lifeline to your heart. These arteries can become clogged due to wear and tear as well as plaque or gunk build-up. If you are of older age you are at higher risk for heart attacks due to the wear and tear of the arteries with time. Younger individuals have clean and healthy arteries, whereas older individuals tend to have arteries that are more worn and torn. If you are over the age of 50 and experience chest pain then make sure to contact a medical professional. Diseases that predispose people for heart attacks are high blood pressure and diabetes. Another risk factor for heart attacks is a family history of heart attacks.
Heart attacks typically present with symptoms chest pain that is non-reproducible, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Sometimes the pain may radiate to the jaw or arm. There are also atypical variants of chest pain that do not present with these classic symptoms. If you are female, have COPD, or Diabetes then your heart attack can present completely differently. If you think you are having these symptoms then it is imperative that you see a doctor immediately. This way your heart tissue can be saved, and your heart attack can be reversed. Treatment for heart attacks includes morphine, oxygen, nitrates and aspirin initially. Ultimately if a blockage in the coronary arteries is seen an interventionalist can go in and unblock your artery. If you are having chest pain and think its a heart attack call 911. If you have any more questions about heart diseases then call our toll free number now. For further questions call 1 919-759-5460. |