Persistent chest pain isn’t something to ignore. While the discomfort isn’t always life-threatening, it’s one of the tell-tale signs of heart trouble.
When should you see a cardiologist for persistent chest pain?
The cardiovascular experts at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County in Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Irvine, California, explain common causes of persistent chest pain and when to seek cardiology care.
Chest pain describes any discomfort you feel in the upper torso. It can feel dull or sharp, brief or prolonged. Because the chest is home to your heart, lungs, and upper digestive organs, many conditions cause pain.
Common causes of chest pain include:
GERD is the most common cause of noncardiac chest pain. Although uncomfortable, GERD isn’t a life-threatening condition. However, because the pain may signal a serious health concern, like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, it’s a symptom that needs medical attention.
Persistent chest pain is concerning, but you may not need immediate medical care. However, you should go to the nearest emergency room (ER) or call 911 if you have:
These symptoms may indicate a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, both life-threatening conditions that need immediate medical care.
Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if you have persistent or recurring chest pain without a clear cause, or chest pain during exercise (angina).
Also see a cardiologist if you have a personal or family history of heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
At Cardiology Specialists of Orange County, our board-certified doctors use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to get to the bottom of your symptoms.
After reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and family history, we may do initial diagnostic testing such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and bloodwork.
You may need additional testing to confirm or rule out a heart condition, such as an echocardiogram or stress test. We also do arrhythmia monitoring using remote monitoring tools to capture heart conditions not shown during in-clinic tests.
A cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that also helps us diagnose and potentially treat CAD or heart abnormalities.
Persistent chest pain warrants a medical evaluation because it may mean cardiovascular disease. If you have chest pain and want to find the cause, the experts at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County can help.
Call us today to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you.
