Chest Pain

While chest pain is typically associated with heart problems, your chest also houses several other systems that can cause you pain, including your pulmonary and digestive systems. One thing is for certain: Proper medical care is paramount to diagnosing and treating the issue, no matter the source. Kishlay Anand, MD, MS, FHRS, Tanvi Sachar, MS, PhD, and the team at AZ Cardiology can quickly identify and treat your chest pain at their offices in Peoria, Flagstaff, Prescott, Cottonwood, and Prescott Valley, Arizona. If you're experiencing chest pain, call AZ Cardiology or book an appointment online today.

What is chest pain?

While the answer to this question may seem obvious, but there are several ways that chest pain can present itself, and the distinctions are important when diagnosing your problem.

To start, if your chest pain comes on suddenly and it’s accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea, and/or radiating pain to your neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm, you should call 911 immediately. These are classic signs of a heart attack, and you need to get prompt medical attention.

Outside of the sudden and acute pain of a heart attack, chest pain can also be:

• Dull and nagging
• Only at certain times, such as when you lie down
• Only with certain movements
• When you breathe

The type of chest pain you’re experiencing provides the team at AZ Cardiology with valuable information, allowing your provider to zero in on a potential diagnosis more quickly.

What causes chest pain?

Several medical problems can cause chest pain, including:

• Cardiovascular issues, including heart attack
• Acid reflux
• Broken or bruised ribs
• Muscle strain
• Pulmonary problems, such as an embolism or collapsed lung
• Panic attack

You shouldn’t take chest pain lightly, so don’t delay seeking medical attention.

How is chest pain diagnosed?

After reviewing your symptoms and your medical history, your AZ Cardiology provider will typically order some diagnostic tests, which can include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Blood work
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• CT scan

AZ Cardiology is equipped with the most advanced tools to help diagnose and treat your problem quickly.

How is chest pain treated?

Your treatment depends on your diagnosis. Once your AZ Cardiology provider determines the cause of your chest pain, they work with you to reduce your discomfort while also treating the underlying condition. They can recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe appropriate medications to help put the pain behind you for good.

If it’s an issue outside of your cardiovascular system, such as a digestive or pulmonary problem, your provider will give you the best treatment available and review your next steps. 

The goal of treatment is to relieve your chest pain and prevent additional complications that can affect your heart and overall health.

If you’re experiencing undiagnosed chest pain, call AZ Cardiology or request an appointment online today.