Chest pain is one of the typical symptoms of a heart attack but there can be many reasons other than a cardiovascular complication which can cause discomfort and pain in the chest similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. It could be a panic attack or a sudden increase in your anxiety level that can cause chest pain and make you feel like you’re having a heart attack. It can be as harmless as an episode of acid reflux that can seriously frighten you. So how do you know if your chest pain is of cardiac origin? (Also read: World Cancer Day: First signs of lung cancer, expert prevention tips)
Experts say it’s not always easy to know and people should seek medical help when experiencing chest pain. However, there are some telltale signs that chest pain is related to a heart attack. According to the CDC, a heart attack is usually associated with discomfort in the center or left side of the chest, and this can last for more than a few minutes and can keep coming back. This uncomfortable feeling can look like uncomfortable pressure, tightness, fullness or pain, feeling weak, light-headed, or fainting. One can also break out into a cold sweat.
How to tell if chest pain is caused by a heart attack?
Dr. Sanjeev Kalkekar Consultant Cardiology Apollo Navi Mumbai Hospital told HT Digital that there can be many reasons behind your chest pain other than heart problems.
Acid reflux
A sharp pain in the chest can be due to a gastrointestinal problem such as heartburn or acid reflux, which is the most common reason for noncardiac chest pain.
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can cause chest pain. One may feel short of breath along with a cold sweat, these are symptoms similar to a heart attack.
Esophageal muscle spasm
Abnormal contractions and esophageal compression along with sudden chest pain can be confused with heart attack.
Dr. Kalkekar said that in the case of a heart attack, in addition to chest pain, the person may experience discomfort, fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, profuse sweating.
How to tell the difference between chest pain caused by a heart attack and other health problems
“Although it looks simple, believe me, it’s really confusing when weather-related chest pain is heart attack-related or not. You’re better off consulting. doctor, do an ECHO ECG and heart enzymes There are still some clues that, if the chest pain is severe or stabbing, it is due to other conditions such as acid reflux, muscle pain or stress. there is no sharp or stabbing pain. If the pain spreads to your neck, back, shoulders, arms and jaw with or without difficulty breathing, it may be a heart attack. Also, if the pain persists longer Minutes and more severe with cold sweat, it could be a heart attack,” said the cardiologist.
What to do when having a heart attack?
If you or a loved one has chest pain and symptoms that resemble a heart attack, Dr. Kalkekar says the following should be done immediately.
– Access to nearby hospitals is the most important factor. Let the person settle down and try to reassure them.
Loosen tight clothing, if any.
– Call for emergency medical help.
Help the person put nitroglycerin under the tongue.
Only give the person dissolved aspirin (dispirin) if the person is not allergic to the medicine.
– If the person is unconscious or unresponsive, start CPR.
