Chest Pain

Chest pain is a common problem, affecting up to 40% of people during their lifetime. At Internists of North Dallas in Irving, Texas, board-certified internal medicine physician Nabila Aslam, MD, pinpoints the root cause of chest pain to eliminate it and avoid life-threatening complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is chest pain?

Chest pain is a symptom, often of an underlying medical condition. It might be a minor nuisance or a sign of a life-threatening problem. That’s why it’s critical to see Dr. Aslam at the first sign of chest discomfort. She determines its root cause and addresses it to avoid worsening complications. 

What might chest pain feel like?

Chest pain symptoms may feel like:

• Pressure 
• Crushing
• Tearing
• Fullness
• Squeezing
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Racing heartbeat

You might also experience sweating, fatigue, upset stomach, nausea, or pain in your abdomen, arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back.

What can contribute to chest pain?

The following causes may contribute to chest pain:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Angina (poor blood flow to the heart)
• Inflammation around the sac of your heart (pericarditis)
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Aortic aneurysm
• Heart rhythm problems
• Other heart-related issues
• Swallowing disorders
• Pancreas or gallbladder problems
• Heartburn
• Muscle damage or soreness
• Broken ribs
• Lung-related problems
• Shingles
• Panic attack
• Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gallstones
• Hiatal hernia
• Muscle spasms
• Asthma
• Ulcers

Risk factors for chest pain include a family history of heart or lung problems and unhealthy lifestyle habits. However, you can’t always avoid it or its causes.

Chest pain is a concerning symptom that warrants immediate medical attention, particularly if you have other signs of a heart attack (shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, sweating, etc.).

How is the cause of chest pain diagnosed?

Dr. Aslam at Internists of North Dallas diagnoses chest pain and its potential causes by discussing your medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle. She checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and might order diagnostic tests. 

Dr. Aslam may order blood testing, lung function tests, an electrocardiogram (EGK), stress testing, chest X-rays, an echocardiogram, a CT scan, coronary catheterization, or other specialty tests.

How is chest pain treated?

Your chest pain treatment plan depends on its cause and severity. Dr. Aslam may suggest weight loss, diet and other lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, or medications. She refers you to another specialist if you’re a candidate for a medical procedure to avoid life-threatening complications and follows up to ensure a successful outcome. 

Schedule a chest pain evaluation at Internists of North Dallas by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.