Tag Archives: heart pain

Atypical Chest Pain

Atypical chest pain is often confused with angina which is a cardiac condition. Unlike angina, atypical chest pain is discomfort in your chest that is not a result of a cardiac disease.

Although it can be an indication that something might be wrong with your cardiac system, there aren’t any test results confirming the presence of cardiac problems. Angina patients experience a crushing pain that feels like someone pressing their central sternum and the pain spreads across their left arm. Mostly, doctors diagnose for the occurrence of angina. If the results are negative for any cardiac problems, then, they start their diagnosis for other underlying causes of atypical chest pain.

The symptoms of atypical chest pain is the acute chest pain that lasts for minutes. It is a pricking pain that does not involve your heart. Moreover, gastroesophageal reflux and acid refluxes can also be a cause for atypical chest pain. With this type of chest condition, there is mainly one question while diagnosing. Is it a heart problem or pulmonary problem? Atypical chest pain is a consequence of pulmonary problem if fever accompanies shortness of breath. If pressure, anxiety and dyspnea are your symptoms, then you are prone to heart problems. Also, other external factors like physical exertion, hypertension, extreme emotions can cause atypical chest pain. It is important to note down the time, place and situation of your pain for better diagnosis of the reason for your chest pain. ECG and chest X rays are the primary diagnosis.
Sometimes, sufficient rest and sleep are vital for relieving your chest pain, especially if you have overexerted your body physically. Otherwise, with certain OTC medication, you can control the chest discomfort. However, if the chest pain is caused by depression, antidepressants are suggested for patients. Whatever the reasons may be, it is essential to consult with your doctor for medication and further treatments. Diagnosing the cause behind the chest pain is critical for future care. Also, list down the past history of health problems and inform your doctor as it gives a clue for the sudden occurrence of chest pain. Make sure to consult a heart doctor immediately if you have chest pain to prevent the onset of any further complications.

Non Cardiac Chest Pain

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a sudden pain due to reasons that do not involve heart attack. Chest pain due to heart attack is often referred to as ‘angina pectoris’. A heart attack is a serious condition in which the blood vessels are blocked, preventing the blood flowing into the heart. But NCCP is a condition that is predominantly caused by a condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is a state in which the acid flows backwards into the oesophagus, causing irritation that leads to NCCP. But there are also other reasons causing NCCP, which are lung infections, muscle spasms, stress, anxiety and hypertension. Sometimes, food gets stuck in the oesophagus due to muscle motility issues. Under such conditions also NCCP can be triggered. 

The general symptoms of Non-cardiac chest pain are the typical crushing chest pain that spreads across the left arm. Sweat and fatigue are also common symptoms that accompany chest pain. Sometimes, you have a bitter taste in your mouth. Nausea and vomiting are rare symptoms, but can also show up in a few people. If acid refluxes are the cause of the NCCP, then chest pain can occur while eating. This pain can prolong from seconds to hours. Ensure to check with your Cardiologist for better treatment and cure.

General ECG and chest X-ray tests are done to confirm if the chest pain is Non-cardiac chest pain. Sometimes, blood tests are taken to verify the NCCP. Medications are based on your doctor’s advice. Depending on the causes of NCCP, your doctor will prescribe the required medicine. Like any heart disease, with simple lifestyle changes, you can prevent the occurrence of Non-cardiac chest pain. Regular walking, swimming and exercise are essential. Moreover, proper diet and timely meals are vital for preventing the onset of any disease like Non-cardiac chest pain.

It is best to consult a cardiologist if the pain does not reduce. 

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