Chest Pain

Chest Pain: Overview

Chest Pain Overview:

Chest pain can be caused by a host of reason. Most of which are not typically an urgent care issue. If you are experiencing chest pains there is a high probability that it is a completely harmless issue. Non-harmful causes of chest pain can include:

GERD: This stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but it is commonly referred to as heart burn. Heart burn is a common cause of chest pain. It is accompanied after eating meals, especially if these meals are high in acidity, and spice. The lower esophageal sphincter keeps your stomach acid and food particles in the stomach by clamping down on the opening to the stomach. Once that sphincter opens the food refluxes into the esophagus and causes pain in the chest region leading to a sour taste in the mouth, reflux of food particles recently consumed, and burping.

Esophageal Spasms: This is also a harmless cause of chest pain that is caused by flexing of the muscles in the esophagus. This can cause chest pain that mimics heart pains.

Even thought these are the most harmless causes of chest pain they are often difficult to distinguish from the real deal. Heart attacks can mimic the pain found in these diseases, so it is always a good idea to be evaluated by a physician if you have worries about your chest pain. For further questions call 1 919-759-5430.

Harmful causes of chest pain

Heart Attack: The heart attack is something that is the result of decreased flow to the arteries of the heart called the coronary arteries. It comes with specific signs and symptoms that tells the patient what is going on with their heart.

Symptoms of a heart attack:
-Chest pain (not made worse by pressing on the chest)
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Sweating
-Radiation of the pain to the neck and the jaw
-Shortness of breath

These symptoms can vary depending on the patient. In patients with Diabetes, and COPD there may be a different set of symptoms experienced. That is why it is imperative to make sure to contact your local urgent care center if you are experiencing chest pain.

The death rate for a heart attack is high, therefore if you think that you are having a heart attack do not hesitate and call our officials now. For further questions call 1 919-759-5430.

Other causes of chest pain

Panic Attack: Panic attacks can cause chest pains with a high heart rate. They are accompanied by a sense of urgency and mania. This can be a very frightening disease but is typically not physiologically harmful, only psychologically taxing.

Heart murmur; A heart murmur is an issue with the heart valves that keep your heart pumping in the forward direction. If the valve malfunctions and blood is allowed to go backwards then this can cause chest pain, a high heart rate, as well as symptoms of shortness of breath, and fatigue on exertion.

Arrhythmia; Arrhythmias are the result of the abnormalities in the way the heart beats. The heart beats in such a way to make sure blood is pumped forward to the rest of your body, delivering nutrients and oxygen. If this beat is disrupted then it can cause the classic symptoms of racing heart, passing out, chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. For further questions call 1 919-759-5430.