apollo
  • male
  • 50 Years
  • 01/04/2021

How do I know if my chest pain is serious?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Any chest pain needs physical examination by a doctor and tests to know the cause. On a general note; sudden feeling of pressure,squeezing,tightness,or crushing under your breastbone and chest pain that spread to your jaw,left arm or back and sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath may indicate a serious cardiac problem.

Dr. Chandra Suggests...

Consult a Cardiologist

Answered 04/07/2025

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  1. Recognizing Serious Chest Pain

    • Look for symptoms like sudden onset, crushing or squeezing sensation, or pain radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw.
  2. Associated Symptoms to Watch For

    • Be alert for shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
  3. When to Seek Emergency Care

    • Seek immediate help if chest pain persists for more than a few minutes or if symptoms worsen.
  4. Common Causes of Serious Chest Pain

    • Conditions like heart attack, angina, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection need urgent evaluation.
  5. Diagnostic Steps and Medical Evaluation

    • Doctors may perform tests such as ECG, blood tests, and imaging to identify the cause.
  6. Importance of Timely Action

    • Early assessment and treatment can be lifesaving.
  7. When Chest Pain May Be Less Urgent

    • Features of less serious causes include muscle strain or acid reflux, but consult a healthcare provider to be sure.
  8. Advice on Monitoring and Follow-up

    • Keep a record of symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if unsure or if symptoms recur.

Recommended next steps

Take a CBC Test (Complete Blood Count) Test

Answered 20/08/2025

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My mom has been in the hospital for a few days with chest and left arm pain, and the doctors are saying her ejection fraction is really low. Theyve mentioned theres no definite treatment beyond the medication she's on, and theyre not sure about her life expectancy. Im really worried. Is there any other treatment available, like pacemakers or maybe even a transplant? How does a low ejection fraction, like 28, affect life expectancy?

With an ejection fraction of 28%, your mother is experiencing heart failure. In cases where medication alone is not sufficient, treatment options such as implanting a pacemaker or considering heart transplantation may be considered. Pacemakers can help regulate the heart's rhythm and improve its function. In more severe cases, heart transplantation may be recommended. Medications that are commonly used to manage heart failure and improve ejection fraction include: - ACE inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor - Beta blockers (e.g., Metoprolol) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor - Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor - Aldosterone antagonists (e.g., Spironolactone) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor It is important to follow the treatment plan outlined by the healthcare team and make lifestyle changes to manage heart failure effectively. As for life expectancy, it can vary depending on various factors, including the underlying cause of heart failure, overall health, and response to treatment. It is best to discuss this in detail with your healthcare provider.

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I'm a bit worried about my recent ECG report, where they mentioned something about a possible arm lead reversal and an unusual P-axis. They also noted potential ectopic atrial rhythm and right axis deviation. It was marked as abnormal, and now I'm concerned about what this might mean for my health now and in the future. Could there be any serious problems I should be aware of?

In your ECG report, the interpretation suggests the possibility of arm lead reversal, an unusual P axis, a possible ectopic atrial rhythm, irregularity, right axis deviation, and an abnormal ECG. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. In the meantime, you can take medications like Metoprolol 25mg twice daily to help regulate your heart rhythm and prevent complications. Regular follow-up with your doctor is essential to monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

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I've been feeling really uneasy since I had a stent put in about three weeks ago after a heart attack. Even though I'm vegetarian and don't smoke or drink, I still had blockages in my heart arteries. They put a stent in one blockage, but for the others, theyre just relying on medication. Now Ive got this weird heaviness and tightness in my chest, and it feels like something's moving or pinching around my heart sometimes. It's really uncomfortable and I can't focus on much because of it. I'm worried if this is a normal feeling after a stent or if maybe there are more blockages causing this. Could you tell me what might be going on or what I should do about these sensations? I'm in Canada if that helps.

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.