Chest pain refers to an aching or discomfort in the chest, typically around the front area of the chest. This usually feels piercing or sharp, and may also feel like some pressure is being applied to the chest. In some cases, chest pain feels like heaviness or squeezing of the chest area. Whatever the case maybe, this pain causes discomfort.
”In some cases, chest pain feels like heaviness or squeezing of the chest area.”
Chest pain could occur due to various reasons. These include chest infection, heart condition/disease or physiological reasons. In any case, it is impossible to tell what could be the cause of the particular pain experienced, without a test. The sooner the pain is checked, the sooner it will be to rule out on the cause. More so because the pain could be a heart disease, which can cause irreversible damage to the heart, and can also lead to death.
HEART DISEASE AND CAUSES
Myocardial infarction commonly known as a heart attack, is one of the most fatal heart diseases which occurs when blood flow to the heart decreases or stops, there by damaging the heart muscles.
The commonest cause of a Heart attack is Atherosclerosis (thickening in the blood vessels) which is as a result of build up of cholesterol (FAT) in the blood vessel. This further narrows the lumen and decreases blood flow to the heart.
”People who are at risk of getting this condition include, people who are of older age…or a past family history of heart attack.”
People who are at risk of getting this condition include, people who are of older age or actively smoking. Others are those who have high blood pressure, obesity, excessive alcohol use, diabetes mellitus and a high total cholesterol. More risk factors are low high-density lipoprotein levels or a past family history of heart attack.
A person may experience some or all of the following symptoms, following an episode of heart attack. These include: dull central chest pain (radiating to the shoulders, jaw and neck), feeling of anxiety (impending doom). Others are: shortness of breath, profuse sweating, light headedness, nausea with or without vomiting.
Have you experienced all or some of these symptoms?
Vigilance and early diagnosis is key.
Most heart conditions are investigated using the ECG (Electrocardiogram), other tests such as Echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers assay, may also be done.
Leave a question below, if you wish to know more about this topic.
Image Source: chest pain in black people – Bing images
Follow our blog for more updates. Got any questions? Our Doctors are more than glad to help provide the assistance you need with our telemedicine feature. Find out more here. We’re on the socials! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more.
