Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a sign of many different conditions. Pain in the chest can come in a variety of sensations and intensities, each of which points to a different cause. Depending on the feeling, chest pain may be connected to a cardiac or heart-related condition.

At Modern Heart and Vascular, we diagnose, manage and treat conditions such as angina pectoris, the medical term for pain related to a cardiac issue. Our experienced team of cardiologists and nurse practitioners is dedicated to finding the best solutions to improve your heart health. We can also help determine if your chest pain is heart-related or caused by another factor.

Contact us today or request an appointment for more information on how to address your heart-related chest pain.

What Is Chest Pain?

Chest pain when lying down or standing up presents in a variety of ways. If the pain or discomfort is related to a cardiac condition, chest pain symptoms might appear in one or more of the following ways:

• Sharp, stabbing chest pain on the left side
• Dull aching
• Pressure or tightness in the chest
• Burning or crushing sensation that radiates to your back, jaw, neck or arms
• Shortness of breath or chest pain when breathing
• Heartburn
• Pain that lasts or varies in intensity

Other types of chest pain, less likely to be heart-related, can include trouble swallowing, tenderness, pain on the right side of the chest, sour tastes and persistent discomfort lasting for many hours.

Seek immediate medical help for sudden or unexplained chest pain.

What Can Cause Chest Pain?

Just as chest pain can present in several ways, there are many different possible causes of chest pain. Heart-related chest pains may be a sign of heart disease or other cardiac conditions, such as:

• Heart attack
• Myocarditis or pericarditis
• Aortic aneurysm
• Cardiomyopathy
• Valve disease

Non-cardiac conditions can cause chest pain as well. Respiratory issues such as pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism, digestive causes like heartburn, and muscle or bone injuries, including bruised ribs, can result in various types of chest pain. These and other non-cardiac conditions can be serious and require medical attention, just like heart-related causes.

How Can You Prevent Chest Pain?

Prevention depends on the type and cause of your pain. When it comes to heart-related chest pain, prevention consists of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoiding or managing risk factors, including awareness of a family history of heart disease, can also make it easier to understand and address potential cardiac conditions.

At Modern Heart and Vascular, prevention is at the center of our care strategy. Our goal is to help our patients avoid intrusive surgeries and excessive medication. Our services seek to diagnose and quickly address many of the common heart-related causes of chest pain. 

How Do You Treat Chest Pain?

Chest pain treatment is dependent on its underlying cause. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe drugs or medications to manage your chest pain symptoms. In other instances, such as blocked blood vessels or damaged arteries, the cause of your chest pain may require surgery or other procedures.

If you’re experiencing sudden, lasting or unexplained chest pain, seek immediate medical treatment to determine the cause. To learn more about Modern Heart and Vascular’s cardiac care services in Houston, Texas, reach out to our team to make an appointment. 

This page does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you need cardiovascular care, please call us at 832-644-8930.