There are many reasons why you might experience chest pain. It can be due to minor causes or indicate a more serious condition. The key is to know when to seek help. The cardiologists at Cardiovascular Associates of Staten Island in Staten Island, NY, provide a wide range of cardiovascular services, including diagnosis and treatment of chest pain.

What You Need To Know About Chest Pain

Chest pain can be caused by a simple cause, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or it can also be a symptom of a medical condition, like asthma or the flu.

If you are experiencing frequent chest pain, it’s time to seek help from a cardiologist. Chest pain is a common symptom of cardiovascular disease. You should see your cardiologist as soon as possible if you are experiencing:

• Chest pain or pressure that feels like a squeezing sensation
• Radiating pain running into your neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms
• Chest pain that doesn't go away, even when you are at rest
• Increasing chest pain, along with paleness, sweating, and breathing problems
• An irregular or rapid pulse or heartbeat

Cardiovascular conditions associated with chest pain include:

• Angina, which is caused by lack of adequate blood flow to the heart
• A heart attack, which is caused by a blockage, restricting blood flow to the heart
• Pericarditis, which is caused by inflammation of the area surrounding the heart

When you visit your cardiologist, the visit begins with a thorough physical examination and recording of your symptoms. Your cardiologist may also recommend additional testing to aid in diagnosis. Common tests include:

• Blood tests to evaluate your overall health and cholesterol levels
• A cardiac stress test to evaluate how well your heart functions when you are active
• An echocardiogram to check for structural abnormalities in your heart
• An electrocardiogram to check for heart rhythm abnormalities

Depending on the cause of chest pain, your cardiologist may recommend:

• Medication to lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Medication to help your heart function better
• Lifestyle and dietary modifications to improve your heart health

Want To Know More About Chest Pain?

To learn more about the causes of chest pain and when to seek help from a cardiologist, call the cardiologists at Cardiovascular Associates of Staten Island in Staten Island, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (718) 667-0077, so call today.