Chest Pain

Chest ache is typically an uncomfortable condition, but it isn’t necessarily life-threatening. Do yourself a favor - visit a Cardiologist at American Hospital Dubai for a diagnosis. If it’s nothing serious, you can stop worrying. If it signals a heart condition, you can have a timely and appropriate treatment that can help minimize or prevent the risk of developing complications. 

Chest pain is a pain that originates anywhere from the neck through the heart and lungs to the upper part of the abdomen. It can be sharp and stabbing or dull and aching, depending on the cause of pain. Whatever the chest pain feels like, it is wise to see a doctor to accurately and quickly diagnose a condition.

Causes of Chest Pain:

While chest pain is frequently associated with heart attack, there are several other health conditions that can cause this pesky symptom. These include:

Cardiovascular issues causing chest pain:

• Angina or a heart attack
• A tear in the wall of the aorta
• Swelling (inflammation) in the sac that surrounds the heart (pericarditis)

Lung problems causing chest pain such as:

• Pulmonary embolism (when the lung is affected by a blood clot)
• Pneumothorax (when the lung collapses)
• Pneumonia
• Pleurisy (when the walls of the lung swell up)

Digestive system abnormalities including:

• Spasms or narrowing of the esophagus that interrupts the transportation of food and causes chest pain
• Gallstones, cause pain after a meal rich in fats
• Heartburn
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Stomach ulcers, and a couple of other conditions

In addition to the above-listed causes, doctors have identified a range of other factors that may lead to pain in the chest. These include panic attack, costochondritis, shingles, and strain of the muscles and tendons between the ribs.

When to Call a Doctor:

You should contact your doctor immediately when the chest pain is accompanied by:

• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Cold sweating
• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
• Having a feeling of indigestion
• Traveling of pain towards neck, jaw, back, shoulders or either arm
• Sharp pain when coughing, breathing, or moving

Diagnostic Testing for Chest Pain:

Your Physician may advise on one or more of the following tests to find a source of your pain:

• An electrocardiogram is used to evaluate the electrical activity of a heart for the detection of any irregularity in the heart rate. The negative results call for further investigation; hence further testing for a more accurate diagnosis.
• An echocardiogram gives a better view of the heart using soundwaves and allows the doctor to detect cardiac issues such as heart valve disease.
• A stress test helps analyze the functioning of the heart and blood vessels when under strain due to physical activity.
• Coronary Calcium CT Scan, is used to identify clogged arteries, the build-up of calcium deposits, and heart health after surgery.

These tests are performed without anesthesia in a non-invasive way.

Book an Appointment:

Our technology-driven Cardiac-care Unit at American Hospital Dubai follows a multi-disciplinary approach i.e. offering screening, diagnostic testing, and treatment services in one place. We offer the latest insights to patient care, while our cardiac-care experts use advanced methods to diagnose and treat a range of cardiac issues from mild chest pain to complicated cardiovascular disorders. Our heart specialists also provide counseling services that allow patients with heart diseases to lead safer and healthier lives.

Although chest pain doesn’t always call for immediate medical attention, it’s not a symptom that one wants to ignore. If you have any queries regarding chest pain or would like to learn more about chest pain symptoms, chest pain diagnosis, and chest pain treatment from the best-in-class Cardiologists in Dubai, use the online booking button to schedule a consultation right away.