When to See a Doctor About Chest Pain

Everyone knows that chest pain is one of the leading symptoms of a heart attack. That’s part of why chest pain triggers such a strong physical and emotional reaction. While not every experience of chest pain is a sign of a serious health issue, it’s also something that you should pay close attention to. 

At Heart Care, we’ve built a thriving practice on the principle that everyone deserves a healthy heart and that top-quality care should be accessible to anyone who needs it. At our Frisco, Texas, office, we deliver highly customized care that gets to the bottom of your symptoms and helps you on a path toward improved heart function. 

Here’s what you need to know about chest pain and when you should see a doctor to determine the cause. 

Chest pain doesn’t always feel the same

There are several ways you can experience chest pain. Here are some of the ways people describe their chest pain:

• Squeezing
• Pressure
• Crushing
• Fullness
• Tearing
• Aching

These sensations can be steady, can increase over time, or can come and go. Chest pain isn’t always felt as a sharp, stabbing pain that can’t be ignored. Many people experience chest pain and continue on with their day. 

Chest pain can also spread to other areas of the body. You may experience discomfort in your back, arms, stomach, shoulders, or jaw alongside chest pain.

When you should seek emergency treatment

Far too many people believe that a heart attack will always cause a sudden, sharp, excruciating pain in the left side of the chest. Perhaps thanks to movies and television, they envision someone falling to their knees and clutching at their chest, followed shortly thereafter by a loss of consciousness. 

While this is one way that a heart attack can manifest, it certainly isn’t the only picture you should have of heart distress. Very often, the early signs of a heart attack are far less dramatic. 

Here are some of the warning signs of a heart attack:

• Pain or discomfort in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the jaw, neck, arms, or back
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Feeling fatigued, faint, or lightheaded

If you or someone you’re with experiences these symptoms, don’t wait. Seek emergency medical care right away. Heart attacks are treatable, but time is of the essence. 

Why see a specialist for chest pain?

If your chest pain is occasional or mild, visiting Heart Care for a diagnostic assessment is a good idea. Cardiologists undergo extensive additional medical training to understand how the heart functions and to diagnose and treat the full range of heart conditions. 

It’s possible that one of our specialists detects a heart condition, perhaps in the earlier stages. This gives you the chance to improve your heart health and avoid serious negative outcomes. It’s also possible that we find no evidence of heart trouble. 

While this might seem like a waste of your time and effort, preventive cardiology is a powerful tool for enhancing your overall health and preventing heart problems in the future. Not only will you receive peace of mind that you don’t currently have heart troubles, but you’ll also have a team to partner with to increase the chances that your heart remains healthy and strong. 

Don’t ignore chest pain

If you experience severe chest pain that lasts longer than a few moments or recurs over time, we are here to help. Seek emergency medical care if needed, or call our office to schedule a heart health assessment. We also offer online booking, making it easier to connect with the Heart Care team and schedule an appointment at our Frisco, Texas, office.