If ignored, chest pain can lead to life-threatening conditions. Most commonly, chest pain is associated with angina, where the heart muscle fails to receive oxygen. But, there can be other reasons that trigger sudden chest pain.

Thus, consult with a chest pain specialist to determine the predictive rules to understand the reasons behind chest pain. Even predictive tools can help assess the condition in patients suffering from severe chest pain. This helps in clinical decision making. 

Types of chest pain

Chest pain can be classified into various types, such as –

• Cardiac – In the case of cardiac chest pain, there is a clear sign of blockage within the blood vessels.
• Possible cardiac – In the case of possible cardiac chest pain, it is not clear whether the pain is due to heart-related ailments. Thus, tests are conducted to affirm the disease.
• Non-cardiac – In non-cardiac chest pain, it occurs due to an anxiety attack or inflammation of pectoral tissue or pulmonary embolism.

So, it is very much essential to identify the accurate disease by undergoing a specific blood test or any other imaging or procedure base test. Let’s get to know them to help you detect any severe indications.

Test conducted to detect the reason behind chest pain

• Clinical presentation
• ECG 
• Biochemical markers
• Revascularisation treatment
• Specific blood test
• Physical examination

Often, a combination of all these tests is done to determine the cause of the chest pain. The latest advancement has brought in a high-sensitive serial assessment of cardiac troponin (cTn) blood tests. It assists in detecting the troponin T content in the blood. 

This protein determines whether the patient would suffer from a heart attack. This test can also reveal whether the patient has suffered from any heart attack recently or if there is any heart muscle damage.

Factors to predict chest pain severity

It is very much essential to determine the category of chest pain, and thus you must consider these factors:

• Age (Cardiovascular risk can increase with time)
• Family history of coronary artery disease
• Overall condition of the health
• Severe and persistent chest pain that fails to go away
• Feeling extreme pressure on the chest

Symptoms of chest pain associated with heart ailments

Chest pain is the primary symptom of artery blockage, and heart attack and is an indicator of coronary artery disease. However, many patients report feeling vague pain and discomfort. 

Here is the level of chest pain that indicates a heart-related disease:

• Tightness or pressure on your chest.
• Crushing pain spreads from the chest to jaw, shoulders, neck and arm.
• There is a slow rise in the intensity of the pain, and it keeps getting worse due to everyday activities.
• Compression on the chest with shortness of breath.

Along with these cold sweats, dizziness, and vomiting are clear indications of heart-related disease that require immediate consultation with a chest pain specialist.

Symptoms of chest pain associated with other ailments

Chest pain has always been considered a symptom of heart-related disease, but there might be other underlying reasons that can lead to it. 

Digestive causes

Heartburn, gallbladder problems and swallowing disorder can also lead to chest pain. But, these have a clear association with the body’s digestive system.  

Lung disorders

A blood clot within the lungs, inflammation of the lungs, and high blood pressure can also be a reason behind severe chest pain.

Muscle & bone ailments

Injury in the ribs and sore chest muscles are the primary reason behind chest pain. 

Symptoms distinguish the chest pain associated with other conditions, rather than the heart, are – sour taste or a sensation of food in the mouth, trouble swallowing, the pain increases when coughing and deep breathing and the pain lasts for several hours.

Conclusion

Chest pain can also occur due to anxiety or smallpox. Thus, it is advised to seek immediate professional help without any delay. To lead a healthy life, it is necessary to incorporate specific lifestyle changes. You must maintain a nutritious diet, quit smoking, and exercise regularly. However, do not ignore the complications and book an appointment with an experienced and certified medical specialist at ILS Hospitals.