Chest pain can involve discomfort felt from the top of your shoulders to the bottom of your ribs. This symptom should be taken seriously because it can indicate a life-threatening condition. Many individuals associate this discomfort with a heart attack. However, it can be a sign of something harmless or require urgent care. An accurate diagnosis from a primary care doctor can help you figure out what is truly going on. Chest pain treatment is available for individuals from Dr. Daniel Benhuri in Beverly Hills, California.
Symptoms of Chest Pain
Symptoms of chest pain may include stabbing, burning or squeezing sensations. The pain may be mild to severe. Seek emergency treatment for chest pain lasting longer than five minutes or that does not fade with rest or medication. Chest pain can be a signal of a heart attack. Symptoms to watch for include sweating, vomiting, shortness of breath, fainting, irregular heartbeat or pain in your upper extremities.
Causes of Chest Pain
Chest pain may be caused by a multitude of factors. Heart problems or digestive issues can be major contributing factors. Other causes can include broken ribs, strained chest muscles, cancer, stress and panic attacks. Your primary care doctor may order a series of tests to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests may include a blood test, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), chest x-ray, echocardiogram, MRI, angiogram or stress tests.
Treatment options will vary depending on the cause. Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications and surgical procedures. Antacids and anti-anxiety medication may be beneficial for certain types of chest pain. Other medications may include aspirin, nitroglycerin, antidepressants, blood thinners, clot busting drugs and acid suppressants. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes as part of your treatment plan.
Beverly Hills Chest Pain Treatment
Chest pain is a serious condition requiring prompt medical care. As a primary care provider specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Daniel Benhuri can determine the best course of treatment for your symptoms. Evening and weekend hours are available for urgent care needs. If you believe you are having a heart attack, it is highly recommended that you head straight to an emergency room. For all other heart issues, schedule an appointment today.