How do I know if my chest pain is serious?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

MBBS
5+ Yrs

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Any chest pain needs physical examination by a doctor and tests to know the cause. On a general note, if chest pain is associated with heart burn, abdominal bloating, belching then it may be due to gastritis which may be managed at home. If chest pain is sudden, radiating to left arm/ shoulder and is associated with sweating, breathing issue then it may be due to a cardiac condition which needs immediate hospital visit. Sometimes, atypical presentation like a person who had mild chest pain with vomiting was tested and found to be having a heart attack on ECG. Hence, every chest pain need a doctor's consultation.

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Answered 04/07/2025

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Recognizing Serious Chest Pain
- Look for sudden onset, a crushing sensation, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw.
Associated Symptoms to Watch For
- Be alert for shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or palpitations.
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Seek immediate help if pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by the above symptoms.
Common Causes of Serious Chest Pain
- Consider conditions like heart attack, angina, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection.
Diagnostic Steps and Medical Evaluation
- Prompt evaluation is crucial; tests may include ECG, blood tests, and imaging.
Preventive Measures and Risk Factors
- Address lifestyle factors and conditions that increase risk; regular check-ups are advised.
Advice for Immediate Action
- Call emergency services and avoid physical exertion if serious chest pain occurs.

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I'm experiencing chest pain in the middle, and sometimes it feels like a pulsing sensation. It just started yesterday. Should I be worried about this? What could it mean?

Chest pain can have various causes, including heart problems, muscle strain, or digestive issues. Since chest pain can be a symptom of a serious condition, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relief medication like acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) at a dose of 500mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. However, if the chest pain is severe or persistent, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

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I'm a software engineer and I'm generally in good health. My BMI is normal and my blood pressure is fine too. But I've noticed that my resting heart rate is always over 90 and it's kind of unsettling. I've recently started working out to stay fit and while I don't feel any discomfort, that number still worries me. Should I be concerned about it? What could be causing this and is there a way to bring it down to a normal range?

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Is it gas or heart attack?

Heart attack feels like pressure on chest cannot be relieved by antacids,associated with breathlessness. One can not entirely differentiate chest pain due to gas from chest pain due to heart attack based on symptoms only. You may need to visit a hospital and get evaluated by a health-care provider.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors