Chest pain
Almost 40% of physically healthy
people with panic attacks experience pain in their
chest. The thought that this pain might be a serious heart
problem sends many sufferers to the Emergency Room for help.
The predominant complaint of those
suffering from coronary artery disease is most likely
to be a pain or pressure in the center of the chest. They may also
feel such discomfort elsewhere in the chest or in the neck, jaw, or
left arm, and occasionally may notice tachycardia (as mentioned
above).
Angina pectoris is an
acute pain in the chest caused by interference with the supply of
oxygen to the heart. It is a distinct pain, usually concentrated on
the left side and sometimes spreading (radiating) to the neck and down
the left arm. The feeling is of tightness, strangling, heaviness or
suffocation. It is not a disease, but a symptom of some underlying
disorder that reduces the supply of oxygen to the heart. Coronary
artery disease or hypertension are the most common causes, with aortic
stenosis, anemia or hyperthyroidism also possible causes.
|
Physical
Causes of Chest Pain
|
- coronary artery disease
- angina pectoris
- heart attack
|
A heart attack
(myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis) occurs when the blood
supply to the heart is significantly blocked. The main symptom is
usually a crushing pain in the center of the chest, which may continue
into the neck, jaw, arms and stomach. The pain may begin during
exercise or a stressful event. Unlike angina, this pain does not stop
when the exercise or event ends. A heart attack is a medical
emergency. Medical help is needed immediately.
|
