Pain is a distressing, uncomfortable feeling. It’s a signal from your nervous system that something negative is affecting your body — and it’s a highly individualized experience.
Pain often signals that something might be wrong, but it can be tempting to brush off mild or intermittent pain because you might think, “it’s not that bad,” or “it’s probably nothing.”
However, acknowledging your pain is an important part of taking care of your health. Chest pain in particular is never normal, no matter how mild. It can take many forms, and it could indicate any number of health conditions from acid reflux to coronary artery disease.
If you have chest pain, consider scheduling a cardiology appointment to have your heart health checked out. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer comprehensive exams to diagnose chest pain.
Pain is a signal that something isn’t right
The primary purpose of pain is to act as a warning signal. When your body is in distress, pain signals in your nervous system alert your brain about the issue, so you can stop whatever it is that’s harming you.
For example, pain from touching a hot stove tells you to move your hand. But when the pain isn’t related to a physical injury, it’s not always so easy to pinpoint.
Everyone has a unique pain tolerance, and different health conditions cause varying types of pain. The severity of your pain doesn’t always indicate the severity of your condition, so it’s possible to have a more serious health issue that causes little or no pain.
If you notice any type of chest pain as you go through life, you shouldn’t ignore it. Dr. Patel and our team specialize in diagnosing chest pain, and we can help you learn to recognize the signs of serious problems.
Common types of chest pain
Many people immediately think of a heart attack when they think of chest pain. While it’s true that heart attacks do cause pain, there are lots of other types of chest pain too.
Identifying your pain is the first step to seeking care. Chest pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like:
Shortness of breath
Pain with deep breaths or coughs
Pain that comes and goes
Chest tightness
Pain that radiates to the neck, shoulders, or arms
Nausea
Lightheadedness
If you feel chest pain, pay attention to its duration, location, and intensity. These details can help your care team identify what’s causing your discomfort.
When to go to the doctor for chest pain
Remember that chest pain is never normal. Any type of chest pain should be examined by a doctor, but the type of pain you’re experiencing may indicate the type of care you need.
A heart attack or other medical emergencies, like a pulmonary embolism, require immediate medical care. If you experience chest pain and symptoms like difficulty breathing or nausea and vomiting, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Mild or short-lived bouts of chest pain without any other symptoms can generally wait for you to schedule a routine heart exam. Dr. Patel and our team are trained to identify cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
We can diagnose heart conditions with a series of tests, such as echocardiograms and stress tests. Once we’ve found the cause of your discomfort, we offer a range of heart care treatments to reduce your symptoms and improve your well-being.
Everyone experiences pain now and then, but protecting your health starts by recognizing when that pain should be checked out by a doctor. To schedule an appointment for chest pain, contact NJ Cardiovascular Institute or book online now.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Understanding the 5 Most Common Types of Heart Disease
Your heart works tirelessly for you day and night, but do you know the warning signs when something is wrong? Learn about the five most common types of heart disease, what they mean for your health, and how to protect your heart.
4 Common Reasons for Needing a Stress Test
A stress test is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart’s performance under physical strain. Understanding what the test reveals and why physicians recommend it can help you feel confident and prepared if your doctor suggests it for you.
Don't Ignore Leg Pain: It Could Be Peripheral Artery Disease
Leg pain that occurs when you’re walking might feel like muscle strain, but it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to your legs, and recognizing it early helps protect your heart health.
New Year, New You: 5 Resolutions for a Healthier Heart
A new year is the perfect time to set meaningful health goals — and they don’t have to be complicated to be effective. These five heart-healthy resolutions can help you start the year strong and protect your cardiovascular health for the future.
Navigating Holiday Feasts: A Guide to Heart-Healthy Eating
Holiday celebrations often revolve around food — making the season challenge even the most disciplined heart-healthy habits. The good news is mindful choices make all the difference, and here’s how to enjoy the festivities and protect your health.