Question:
How do you know if chest pain is muscular or heart?
We have all experienced chest pain at some point in our lives and wondered if it’s muscular or cardiac in origin. It’s important to be able to differentiate between the two as the treatment for each is quite different. Understanding the difference between muscular and cardiac chest pain is the key to obtaining the proper medical treatment.
Muscular chest pain is typically the result of an injury or strain to the muscles or tendons in the chest area and is usually localized to the chest wall. It can be caused by over-exertion, such as lifting heavy objects, or can be the result of a more serious injury, like a broken rib. Muscular chest pain is usually described as a sharp, burning or aching sensation that is localized to one specific area. It may also be accompanied by muscle spasms or tenderness when touched.
Cardiac chest pain, on the other hand, is usually related to heart conditions such as angina, a heart attack, or even arrhythmia. This type of chest pain is usually described as a tightness or pressure in the chest and may also be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating. Unlike muscular chest pain, cardiac chest pain may radiate to the arms, neck, back, and jaw.
The best way to determine whether your chest pain is muscular or cardiac is to seek medical attention. Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. Depending on their findings, they may order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a stress test to rule out any heart-related conditions.
It is important not to ignore any chest pain, as it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If you are having chest pain that is accompanied by any of the cardiac symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately. In the case of chest pain that is muscular in origin, it is best to rest the area, apply cold packs, and take anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed by your doctor.
In conclusion, it is important to understand the differences between muscular and cardiac chest pain in order to get the proper medical treatment. If you are having chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention so that the cause of the pain can be properly identified and treated.