Why Chest Pain Should not be Taken Lightly

Cardiology | by Dr. Dhiman Kahali | Published on 11/04/2022

Chest pain isn't a sign that you should be ignoring or taking for granted. There can be a plethora of reasons behind it and some of these can be quite serious. People usually tend to believe that their chest pain is due to acidity or something that they ate, but this is not always the case. It is pertinent to note that our body has its own ways of telling us that something is wrong and it is solely up to us to get ourselves evaluated and find the underlying cause. Experts specializing in coronary angiography in Kolkata suggest that having chest pain does not necessarily mean that you have some serious health condition, however pinpointing the underlying cause can help in the effective treatment of the management of the problem and the sooner it is detected, the better.

Your chest pain could be because of a cardiovascular problem, a pulmonary condition, gastrointestinal disease, or even stress. In this blog, you are specifically going to talk about various heart problems that could be responsible for triggering your chest pain with the help of the leading heart specialist in Kolkata.

Coronary artery disease - When it comes to the incidence of coronary artery disease, India tops the list. Commonly referred to as CAD, the condition is marked by an obstruction in the normal blood flow, owing to the build-up of plaque, a waxy substance made up of cholesterol. As time passes by, the plaque tends to become hard and disrupts the normal flow of blood by narrowing the arteries. Chest pain or angina happens to be one of the three major symptoms associated with coronary artery disease. The other two are breathlessness and heart attack. The condition is further classified into two different types - obstructive coronary artery disease and non-obstructive coronary artery disease.

It is pertinent to note that there is no complete cure for coronary artery disease however there are certainly effective ways for managing the condition and ensuring a healthier life ahead. If the artery is completely blocked or damaged, the affected section may be replaced surgically. The treatment varies from one person to another majorly depending upon the extent of blockage and the age of the patient. There are several factors that may be taken into account. Lifestyle modifications also play a major role in the management of coronary artery disease and can also help in the prevention of the same. These include an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

Myocardial infarction - This is a bit sophisticated term for what we otherwise know as a heart attack. A heart attack is usually a symptom of some other underline disease that restricts the flow of blood to the heart. As the heart tissues do not get enough oxygenated blood, they tend to get damaged or die. Heart attack is usually characterized by 4 major symptoms, which include pain or discomfort in the chest. Other symptoms associated with heart attack include dizziness, breathlessness, and pain that radiates toward the jaw, neck, or back. Heart attack is further classified into 3 different types - ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and coronary spasm, which is also referred to as unstable angina.

Experts from the best heart hospital in Kolkata suggest that chest pain or angina associated with heart attacks is experienced in the center of the chest and may last for a couple of minutes. Coronary artery disease happens to be one of the leading causes of heart attacks. The problem is usually diagnosed with the help of an ECG.

Myocarditis - The condition is marked by an inflammation in the heart muscles due to an underline infection which is usually viral. As the heart muscles get inflamed, a drastically impacts the heart's ability to pump blood, resulting in irregular heartbeats, commonly referred to as arrhythmia. It is important to know that my Yoga diet is may not necessarily because by a microbial infection but may also be a result of an adverse reaction to some medication or drug. Chest pain happens to be one of the major indicators of myocarditis. Other common indicators associated with the condition include breathlessness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of clot formation.

Altho the condition is not very common it is potentially serious and calls for the need for proper medical intervention. Patients suffering from the condition will require medication for managing anything and improving Heart function. In extreme cases where the infection has advanced, surgical placement of a device may be required for aiding the heart in carrying out its functions.

Apart from these three conditions, there are several other factors that may be responsible for your chest pain. Hence, it is always a better idea to get yourself evaluated at the earliest