Heart pain can be distinguished from other types of pain in a variety of ways. The first and most important way to distinguish heart pain from other types is through medical testing. Tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress test, and cardiac catheterization can all help to diagnose heart pain and rule out other types of pain.
Symptoms of Heart Pain
The most common symptom of heart pain is a tightness, burning, or squeezing sensation in the chest. This type of pain is usually accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness, and nausea. Pain may also spread to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.
Diagnosing Heart Pain
If you experience any of the symptoms of heart pain, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination. He or she may also order tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, stress test, or cardiac catheterization to diagnose the source of the pain.
Treating Heart Pain
The treatment for heart pain depends on the underlying cause. If the problem is caused by a heart attack, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the amount of damage to the heart muscle. If the pain is caused by a blocked artery, your doctor may recommend surgery to open the artery. If the cause is something less serious, such as angina, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain and improve circulation.