Chest Pain

Understanding Chest Pain

Chest pain can have many causes, ranging from heart-related issues to digestive problems. However, any chest pain should be taken seriously, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Call 911 immediately if you experience chest pain along with:

  • Pressure, squeezing, or crushing sensation in your chest
  • Pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
  • Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath
  • Nausea, cold sweats, or lightheadedness

Cardiac-Related Chest Pain

Heart-related chest pain (angina) occurs when your heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This can be a warning sign of coronary artery disease. Our cardiology team uses comprehensive diagnostic testing including EKG, stress testing, and cardiac catheterization to determine the cause of your chest pain.

Evaluation and Treatment

We provide thorough evaluations to identify the source of your chest pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or procedures depending on the underlying cause.

Chest Pain — Frequently Asked Questions

When is chest pain a heart attack?

Chest pain that's accompanied by pressure or squeezing, pain that radiates to the jaw, left arm, or back, sudden shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, or lightheadedness should be treated as a possible heart attack. Call 911 immediately — do not drive yourself.

Can chest pain be caused by something other than the heart?

Yes. Chest pain can come from acid reflux, muscle strain, costochondritis, anxiety, lung problems, or gallbladder issues. Even so, any new or unexplained chest pain should be evaluated by a clinician — only a proper exam and testing can rule out cardiac causes.

What tests will the cardiologist do for chest pain?

A cardiac chest pain workup typically starts with an EKG, blood work, and a stress test or echocardiogram. Depending on findings, additional imaging like a coronary CT angiogram or cardiac catheterization may be recommended.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing chest pain, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists. Our team will evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate care.