Does My Chest Pain Mean I Have Heart Disease?

Simply stated, chest pain can be alarming. It can show up in different ways, such as a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull ache. Your pain can travel too. It might go up your neck, into your jaw, down your back, and down one or both of your arms.

Your symptoms could result from one or more different issues — some serious and some not so serious.

At Cardiovascular Institute of America in Tampa and Lutz, Florida, Muthu Velusamy, MD, FACC, ABVM, and our professional cardiovascular team can determine the root cause of your chest pain. It could simply be a digestive issue, or it could be a sign of heart disease. 

If you have chest pain, you should come in to see us immediately so we can determine its cause.

Causes of chest pain

Chest pain can develop for numerous reasons. Factors relating to the heart include:

• Heart attack
• Angina 
• Pericarditis 
• Aortic dissection

If you have chest pain related to digestion, it could be due to heartburn, gallbladder problems, pancreas issues, or a swallowing disorder.

You can also have chest pain if you get the shingles virus; have a lung disorder, such as pleurisy; or muscle and bone issues, like injured ribs. Panic attacks can also bring chest pain.

Symptoms of heart-related chest pain

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with our team right away:

• Cold sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in your chest
• Pressure on your chest
• Sharp pain in your chest, neck, back, or arms
• Dizziness
• Nausea 

Once we determine the cause of your chest pain, we can diagnose you and treat you effectively. If you experience the onset of severe, unexplained chest pain, call 911 immediately.

Treatments for heart-related chest pain

Our team examines you and evaluates the severity of your condition. If you have mild heart disease, we may suggest lifestyle changes that involve having a nutritional diet, modifying your alcohol intake, and not smoking. We also encourage regular visits to our practice so we can monitor your health condition closely.

We offer several treatment options for severe heart disease. We talk with you and work closely together to determine the best solution to get your heart well and keep it strong and healthy.

For more information about causes of chest pain, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Velusamy, contact us for an appointment. Call the office closest to you today, or use the online booking tool. Feel free to send us a message if you have any questions before you come in.