HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does Chest Pain Indicate?

default
Posted on Wed, 26 Feb 2014
Question: I'm a 53 yr old man with slight pain in my chest. I am concerned about a heart attack and took my blood pressure which was 116/81. my question is can my bp being normal rule out the possibility of a heart attack. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Chest pain is NOT due to a heart attack! Detailed Answer: Hi there, Thanks for your query. Firstly, all chest pains are NOT due to heart. There are several structures in the chest which can cause pain : chest skin and underlying tissues, muscles, ribs, pleura ( a thin covering over the lungs) and, the nerves. Apart from these, hyperacidity is the commonest cause of chest pain. The ongoing slight pain in your chest (with an ideal BP) is most likely due to spasm of the chest muscles- (the commonest cause); or, the ribs. IN BOTH CASES, a short course of anti-inflammatory drugs will relieve you of the pain. Pain due to heart problem is precipitated by exertion, lasts only for a few minutes and may radiate to the left shoulder/upper arm/jaws. On the other hand, pain of heart attack is severe/very severe, and associated with profuse sweating, dizziness, palpitation, fainting feeling, nausea or vomiting. Lastly, if you do wish to clear your doubts once for all, get an ECG and TMT done. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me. Let him examine you to identify the exact cause of chest pain and prescribe appropriate treatment. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (39 hours later)
If my blood pressure is 116/81, does it mean that I can't be having a heart attack?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (11 hours later)
Brief Answer: Blood Pressure is within the ideal range. Detailed Answer: As I mentioned earlier, your blood pressure (116/81) is within ideal range. Hence, the chest pain is NOT due to a heart attack.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 1357 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does Chest Pain Indicate?

Brief Answer: Chest pain is NOT due to a heart attack! Detailed Answer: Hi there, Thanks for your query. Firstly, all chest pains are NOT due to heart. There are several structures in the chest which can cause pain : chest skin and underlying tissues, muscles, ribs, pleura ( a thin covering over the lungs) and, the nerves. Apart from these, hyperacidity is the commonest cause of chest pain. The ongoing slight pain in your chest (with an ideal BP) is most likely due to spasm of the chest muscles- (the commonest cause); or, the ribs. IN BOTH CASES, a short course of anti-inflammatory drugs will relieve you of the pain. Pain due to heart problem is precipitated by exertion, lasts only for a few minutes and may radiate to the left shoulder/upper arm/jaws. On the other hand, pain of heart attack is severe/very severe, and associated with profuse sweating, dizziness, palpitation, fainting feeling, nausea or vomiting. Lastly, if you do wish to clear your doubts once for all, get an ECG and TMT done. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me. Let him examine you to identify the exact cause of chest pain and prescribe appropriate treatment. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal