What Causes Chest Pain and When to Consult a Doctor?

When it comes to chest pain, whether it is a dull ache or a sharp pang, it is essential to give it the attention it deserves and take immediate action. Ignoring chest pain can have severe consequences for your health, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other potentially fatal conditions.

Annually, a considerable number of individuals worldwide experience chest pain, highlighting the widespread concern. Such discomfort may show serious health conditions such as angina, heart attacks, or pulmonary embolisms, illustrating the immediate need for prompt medical attention. Seeking medical evaluation is crucial to accurately diagnose the cause of the pain and determine the appropriate treatment. Therefore, if you are ever in the midst of chest pain, this blog will help you figure out which doctor is the most significant to consult with.

Chest Pain

Chest pain occurs when the individual experiences any type of distress or pain in the chest. It could spread to your neck, jaw, or other parts of your upper body, like down your arms. 

The intensity, duration, and location of chest pain can vary, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms. Having a clear understanding of the several types of chest pain can assist you in identifying the possible underlying causes.

1. Cardiac Chest Pain

The cardiac chest pain is often described as a tight, constricting feeling or pressure on the breastbone. In addition, the pain may radiate to the arms, back, jaw, and neck. Cardiac chest pain can be caused by various conditions such as Angina, heart attack, pericarditis, and aortic aneurysm.

2. Respiratory Chest Pain

The experience of respiratory chest pain is sharp or stabbing and tends to intensify with deep breathing or coughing. Typically, this kind of pain is linked to conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, or collapsed lung.

3. Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

Musculoskeletal chest pain is usually felt as a sharp or dull ache in the chest area and is commonly caused by muscle strain, costochondritis, or inflammation of the rib joints.

4. Gastrointestinal Chest Pain

Chest pain caused by gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux, gastritis, or esophageal spasms may present as a burning sensation or discomfort in the upper abdomen, often rising towards the chest.

When To Consult a Doctor for Chest Pain?

Chest pain can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, some of which may require immediate medical attention. Here are some symptoms that require immediate attention:

• Experiencing intense chest pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, or back.
• Experiencing chest pain along with symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea.
• Chest pain that intensifies with physical activity or exertion.
• Experiencing chest pain along with a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Chest pain may be experienced by individuals who have a history of heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure.

Which doctor to consult for chest pain?

If you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to consult with a cardiologist, they provide you with an appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and medical history. In addition, you can also consult with a general physician for initial tests to find the causes of your chest pain, a gastroenterologist for chest pain related to acid reflux and pulmonologist for chest pain is linked to conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, or collapsed lung.

Summing Up

According to the WHO, a 2019 report states that approximately 17.9 million individuals lost their lives due to cardiovascular diseases, making it the leading cause of death globally. This accounts for 31% of all deaths worldwide. Following a healthy lifestyle and adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, by taking a proactive approach to your cardio health and seeking the necessary medical care, you can achieve the best possible results and provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Don't ignore your symptoms and get consulted with experienced doctors for your overall well being.