Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult for chest pain?

You must initially consult your GP who may refer you to the cardiologist.

2. What is the difference between chest pain and angina?

Chest pain is a general term used to describe pain in the chest region for which there are many reasons. However angina is chest pain that arises due to heart-related problems.

3. Is it necessary to take chest pain seriously?

Yes it is important to take chest pain seriously until proven otherwise.

4. Are heart diseases curable?

Heart diseases are not curable but they are definitely treatable.

5. When is chest pain an emergency?

Chest pain can denote a benign condition or it could be a sign of a life-threatening condition.

6. How is the patient expected to differentiate?

The following are indications by which the patient can understand if the chest pain is serious:

Sudden feeling of tightness or a crushing or squeezing sensation in the chest
Pain that radiates to the jaw, left arm or between shoulder blades
Nausea or dizziness
Sweating
Shortness of breath /palpitations
Angina symptoms occur even when resting
Sharp chest pain after a journey
Chest pains should also be taken seriously if the patient is middle aged, obese, a known diabetic or hypertensive or has a family history of heart problems. Actually there are no set rules. Sometimes even a minor chest pain could turn out to be due to something grave such as CAD. It is also important to seek medical attention if chest wall pain in a person persists or if the person has fever and cough that produces green color phlegm.

Published on Mar 04, 2016
Last Updated on Jan 25, 2020

Bensput Friday, October 27, 2017

Hi. For my mother 53 years old, we have already consulted a cardiologist 2 years ago. Did echo test, treadmill test, ECG, all reports normal. Cardiologist diagnosed PSVT and given DILZEM-SR to take daily one tablet. Palpitation of heart stopped with that, but chest pain on left side is severe, feel too much heaviness in the chest while sleeping or lying down. Which specialist we should visit? Kindly advise.

joel101 Tuesday, October 15, 2013

I have been having pains in my left chest for over a year now and have not seen a doctor to complain!I am afraid of this!I have stopped smoking for two years now but still drinks

CrazyBasenjiLady Friday, February 1, 2013

I have sudden sharp pain in my chest and then it goes away. It doesn't happen every day and it isn't associated with any other symptom. I plan to tell my doctor at my next visit, but he'll send me to the same old cardiologist who makes me feel like a waste of time.

tonicasweetzz Friday, March 15, 2013

it could be Precordial Catch Syndrome research it or angina

syras Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The typical symptoms of Chest pain are:
Chest “tightness,” “squeezing,” or “heaviness.” People describe this feeling as a weight or as a band being tightened around their chest. The pain is usually located on the left side of the chest above the bottom of the ribcage, but it’s often hard to define its exact location.
Shortness of breath. Sweating, nausea, and an anxious feeling
A pain in the left arm, neck and jaw.

syras Monday, October 11, 2010

The typical symptoms of chest pain in women are:
Chest “tightness,” “squeezing,” or “heaviness.” People describe this feeling as a weight or as a band being tightened around their chest. The pain is usually located on the left side of the chest above the bottom of the ribcage, but it’s often hard to define its exact location.
Shortness of breath.Sweating, nausea, and an anxious feeling
A pain in the left arm, neck and jaw.