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Chest Pain
Chest pain can be a warning sign that something more serious is going on with your cardiovascular health. To diagnose the underlying cause of chest pain, David Harnick, MD, and Raymonda Rastegar, MD, use advanced diagnostic technologies, such as nuclear stress testing and echocardiography. They offer access to world-class experts providing noninvasive testing such as CT angiography or cardiac catheterization to establish your diagnosis further. The heart specialists tailor treatment plans to ease your pain and address heart-related issues that can trigger it, like atherosclerosis or a blocked artery. Don’t put off a consultation for chest pain. Call the office in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, today or book an appointment online.
Chest Pain Q & A
What causes chest pain?
Chest pain can feel like a burning sensation or a sharp, stabbing pain that ranges from mild to severe.
You may experience chest pain for several reasons, including underlying health issues with your heart or lungs. These issues can include:
- Heart attack
- Collapsed lung
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart inflammation (pericarditis)
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
Other conditions that can contribute to chest pain can include gallstones, heartburn, and rib injuries. Some people with anxiety or panic disorders may also experience chest pain as a symptom of their condition.
When should I seek medical attention for chest pain?
Because chest pain can be a warning sign of health issues that range from minor to life-threatening, it’s important that you don’t put off care.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Heartwise Cardiology if you have sudden, unexplained chest pain or persistent chest pain that’s not getting better with rest.
The providers strongly recommend that you call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you have chest pain and other symptoms of a heart attack. These symptoms can include pain that radiates from the chest into your jaw or arms.
How is chest pain treated?
Heartwise Cardiology offers on-site diagnostic testing services, including electrocardiogram (EKG), bloodwork, and chest X-rays, to accurately identify what’s causing your chest pain.
Based on the results of your test, the heart specialists design a treatment plan to ease your pain and protect your overall health. Your plan may include aspirin, blood thinners, or other medications.
If your chest pain results from blockages in the arteries that lead to your heart, you may need a surgical procedure. The providers can perform an angioplasty, a procedure that uses a catheter and a tiny balloon to widen blocked vessels, so blood can flow freely. Your surgeon may also place a mesh stent in the artery to keep it open.
Heartwise Cardiology also offers bypass surgery to reroute blood from damaged arteries into healthier vessels nearby. This type of surgery can relieve chest pain and also reduce your risk for heart attack and other complications.
Don’t ignore unexplained chest pain. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or call Heartwise Cardiology today to book an appointment.