It's a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary heart disease CHD , also known as coronary artery disease CAD. There are many types of angina, including stable, unstable, microvascular, and angina caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries vasospastic or variant. View an animation of angina link opens in new window link opens in new window.
Angina usually happens because one or more of the coronary arteries is narrowed or blocked, also called ischemia. Angina can also be a symptom of coronary microvascular disease MVD. Learn more about angina in women. Depending on the type of angina you have, there are many factors that can trigger angina pain.
The symptoms also vary based on the type of angina you have. The major risk factors for heart disease and coronary artery disease include:. All chest pain should be checked out by a health care professional. He or she will want to find out if it's angina and if it is, whether the angina is stable or unstable. If it's unstable, you may need emergency medical treatment to try to prevent a heart attack.
You could be having a heart attack. Call immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital. It's important to get medical advice to make sure it's nothing serious. Chest pain has many different causes. While chest pain is a well-established sign of a heart attack, it can also be caused by many other less serious conditions. Bronchospasms commonly occur in people who have asthma and related disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD.
Shingles can cause chest pain. You may develop pain along your back or chest before the shingles rash becomes apparent. Panic attacks can also cause chest pain. You may have other symptoms that occur with chest pain. Identifying symptoms you may be having can help your doctor make a diagnosis. These include:. While pain is the most common symptom of a heart problem, some people experience other symptoms, with or without chest pain.
Women, in particular, have reported unusual symptoms that later have been identified as being the result of a heart condition:. Seek emergency treatment immediately if you think you may be having a heart attack and especially if your chest pain is new, unexplained, or lasts more than a few moments.
Your doctor will ask you some questions, and your answers can help them diagnose the cause of your chest pain. Be prepared to discuss any related symptoms and to share information about any medications, treatments, or other medical conditions you may have. Your doctor may order tests to help diagnose or eliminate heart-related problems as a cause of your chest pain. These may include:. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Shingles or herpes zoster or can cause chest pain before a rash forms. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain With chest pain, every minute counts. The faster you get to hospital for treatment, the better.
If any activity brings on chest pain, follow these steps: 1. Stop what you are doing and rest immediately. Talk — tell someone how you feel. If you take angina medication: Wait 5 minutes. If you still have symptoms — take another dose of your medicine.
Wait 5 minutes. Call and chew on mg aspirin if available. Ask for an ambulance. Remember, if you have any doubt about your pain, call an ambulance anyway. Diagnosis of chest pain Before medical treatment can begin, the cause of the pain must be found. You may a have a lot of tests done including: Electrocardiogram ECG — electrical tracing of the heart activity. Blood tests — to measure markers from the heart and other organs.
Chest x-ray — to look at the lungs, heart and major blood vessels of the chest. Recovering from chest pain If your doctor has ruled out serious causes of chest pain, it is likely you will make a full recovery. In the first few days at home, try to take it easy. Rest if you feel tired. Slowly increase your activity, as you are able.
There is no need to limit work or strenuous activity including sex if you feel well. Follow up with your local doctor GP when recommended by your treating doctor. Reduce your risk of heart attack Ways to reduce your risk of heart attack include: Try to cut down or quit smoking — call Quitline on 13 78 48 to help you stop smoking and feel healthy again.
Be physically active — on most, if not all days of the week. Eating a variety of healthy foods — with plenty of wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins and fats. Watch your weight — keep a healthy weight by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. See your doctor for a heart health check to assess your risk of having a heart attack at least every two years. If you are at higher risk, more frequently is recommended.
Take your medication as directed.
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