Chest Pain

Go to the Emergency Room If You Have Heart Attack Symptoms

If you are experiencing sudden chest pain, you likely are worried that you’re having a heart attack. Your pain might indicate a serious condition, but it could also be acid reflux or something else you can treat at home. Go over your symptoms to see if you have a medical emergency. If so, call 911 or visit Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Chest Pain

Chest pain has a number of causes. It can be due to:

• Heart Attack
• Pericarditis
• Aortic Dissection
• Aortic Aneurysm
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Gallstones
• Gastritis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Pneumonia
• Broken Rib
• Cancer
• Panic Attack

You will experience different signs of chest pain depending on the condition.

Acid Reflux Symptoms Chest Pain

Acid reflux is often mistaken for a heart attack because it causes chest pain. Generally, the pain is in the middle of the chest and, unlike heart attack pain, is sharp. Other heartburn symptoms along with this pain include:

• Bad breath and a sour taste in the mouth
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Cavities due to the acid
• Hoarse voice

Right Side Chest Pain

If the right side of your chest hurts, it’s likely not a heart attack. Instead, it could be due to:

• Injury
• Stress and Anxiety
• Heartburn
• Costochondritis

However, if you have severe symptoms, go to the emergency room. These symptoms include:

• Increased pain when sneezing, coughing, or laughing
• Swelling and tenderness
• Breathing problems

Chest Pain on the Left Side – When to Go to the Emergency Room

Pain in the left or middle of your heart can indicate a heart attack. Monitor your symptoms and go to the emergency room immediately if:

• You feel pressure, fullness, pain, or squeezing in your chest
• You feel faint or lightheaded
• You experience discomfort in the back, neck, or jaw
• You feel pain in your shoulders or arms
• You feel short of breath
• You are nauseated

Chest Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor will run tests to determine the cause of your pain. First, your doctor might perform an electrocardiogram to check your heart’s electrical activity. Additionally, you might require blood tests and diagnostic imaging scans to find the source of the pain.

If you are suffering from a heart attack, the doctor can administer medication to improve blood flow and lower the stress on the heart. Anti-clotting medications might also be needed.

In some cases, a surgical procedure is also needed to restore the blood flow. This can reduce the risk of experiencing another heart attack.

Chest pain should always be taken seriously. If you have significant symptoms, don’t delay seeking chest pain treatment. Fast treatment can save your life and prevent additional damage.

Contact Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care for further information about emergency care for chest or abdominal pain. We are in-network with most major health insurance plans, including Medicare.