Question 1

Is a person experiencing chest pain having a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

If you or your loved one is experiencing chest pain, don't panic. It may not be a heart attack. In fact, the NCHS says that only around 13% of all emergency room visits for chest pain result in the diagnosis of a serious heart-related problem. Half of all cases of chest pain are diagnosed as non-cardiac, i.e. not related to the heart, and include primarily gastroesophageal disorders (disorders of the digestive tract), such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Chest pain may also arise from issues in the organs present in the chest cavity, or even issues with the chest wall or other parts of the chest. Problems with organs close to the chest, such as the stomach may also result in chest pain. Anxiety is another cause of such an episode. It’s best to visit cardiac specialists at the earliest in case of pain in the chest.

Question 2

What is angina?

Accepted Answer

Angina is often likened to a squeezing sensation, tightness, or pressure in the chest region of the body. The discomfort or pain may also radiate to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, and even as far as your jaw. In women, chest pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain. While angina is not a disease in itself, it is a symptom of an underlying heart disease.

Question 3

How can one differentiate between chest pain and Angina?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain is a general term that is used to describe the pain in the chest region arising due to multiple reasons. However, angina is a specific chest pain that arises due to heart-related problems.

Question 4

How can you determine if your chest pain is serious?

Accepted Answer

To understand whether your chest pain is a serious concern, keep a check on the following symptoms:

A sudden feeling of tightness or squeezing sensation within the chest
Nausea or dizziness
Fatigue
Breathing issues
Too much sweating

Note: You must take chest pains seriously, especially for people who are aged, obese, hypertensive, suffer from diabetes, or have a family history of heart issues.

Question 5

What is stable angina?

Accepted Answer

Stable angina occurs when your heart works harder due to exertion or mental or emotional stress. The pain usually goes away with rest because your heart no longer needs as much oxygen.

Question 6

What is unstable angina?

Accepted Answer

Unstable angina occurs unexpectedly, due to coronary arteries that have been narrowed by plaque (fatty buildups). This reduces blood flow to the heart. Unstable angina may also come about when a clot partly or completely blocks your heart artery for a short period. The clot either breaks up on its own or with chest pain medication. If the clot persists, a heart attack may occur. Inflammation, infection, and secondary causes can also lead to unstable angina.

Question 7

What other conditions might cause chest pain?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain may be caused by any number of conditions including a gastrointestinal disorder such as gallbladder disease, peptic ulcer, a muscle spasm of the oesophagus, or acid reflux. It may also signal another serious heart or lung issue, such as a tear in the wall of the aorta or a blood clot in the lung.

Question 8

What can you do if you are diagnosed with Angina?

Accepted Answer

While angina pain may come and go, it’s a sign that you’re suffering from a heart disease that must be treated. To cure it, your healthcare provider can give you nitroglycerin to relieve your discomfort. It's available in multiple forms like tablets, sprays, capsule skin patches, or as an ointment.

In case you experience severe chest pain lasting more than five minutes or are accompanied by other heart attack symptoms like – shortness of breath, nausea, weakness, etc., you must call your nearest hospital for immediate assistance.

Question 9

What precautions I must take to minimise the chances of Angina?

Accepted Answer

To address your primary health concerns and minimise the chances of suffering from Angina, you must take into consideration the following steps:

Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Change your eating habits and intake more of healthy food items that are low in fat and salt. Sources of protein like chicken, fish, and soy are some good options.
Keep a check on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Exercise regularly but avoid extreme temperatures and performing strenuous activities
Keep yourself relaxed and calm, and manage your stress levels to avoid triggering anxiety or panic attacks

Question 10

What is the outlook for people with chest pain?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain caused by many common conditions can be treated and resolved. These include acid reflux, asthma, anxiety attacks or related disorders. Having said that, chest pain can also be a symptom of certain life-threatening conditions. It is, therefore, not just important, but crucial, to seek immediate medical attention in case you think you may be experiencing a heart attack or another severe heart problem. Once a diagnosis is made, the appropriate chest pain treatment is advised to help you manage your condition.

Question 11

How long do I need to rest after encountering a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Rest is important after a heart attack, but it's just as important for you to participate in recreation and social events and to begin making physical activity a part of your daily life. In many cases, doctors will recommend that survivors get more physical activity than they got before their heart attack.

A good night's rest is especially important for those who have suffered a heart attack. If you feel tired during the day, take a nap or a short rest. You should rest before you get too tired, if you’ve had a heart-related episode. Your doctor will tell you what's best for your specific situation, but most heart attack patients find they have plenty of energy for both work and leisure activities.

Chest Pain