FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Is lack of blood to the heart the only type of pain related to the heart?
There are different characteristics and precipitating factors that we, as physicians, ask the patients when trying to determine whether the chest pain is truly due to a lack of blood to the heart. There are multiple other causes of chest pain. Concerning the heart, one can also experience chest pain secondary to inflammation of the outer sac of the heart, called pericarditis. This pain is typically worse when one lies down and better when sitting up. The most common cause is a viral syndrome. Therefore, it is usually preceded by a fever, cold, or flu-like symptoms.
Let’s review some of these symptoms in more detail.
When we think of heart-related pain, the image that often comes to mind is of a person clutching their chest during a heart attack. While this scenario is indeed associated with reduced blood flow to the heart, it’s not the only type of pain connected to this vital organ. Heart pain can manifest in various forms and stem from different causes, making it crucial to understand the diverse nature of cardiac discomfort.
Ischemic heart pain, resulting from inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, is the most well-known type of cardiac discomfort. This pain, often described as a crushing or squeezing sensation in the chest, is typically associated with coronary artery disease or heart attacks. However, it’s essential to recognize that heart-related pain extends beyond this classic presentation.
Several heart conditions can cause pain without necessarily involving restricted blood flow. Pericarditis, an inflammation of the protective sac surrounding the heart, can lead to sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with breathing or lying down. Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle itself, may cause chest pain alongside other symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. These conditions highlight that heart pain can originate from the heart’s structures rather than blood supply.
Interestingly, heart-related pain doesn’t always manifest in the chest. Referred pain, where discomfort is felt in areas other than its source, is common in cardiac issues. For instance, some people experience heart attack symptoms such as pain in their jaw, neck, or left arm. This phenomenon underscores the importance of recognizing that heart problems can present in unexpected ways.
While not a physical condition, emotional stress and anxiety can manifest as perceived heart pain. The term “broken heart syndrome” or stress-induced cardiomyopathy describes a temporary heart condition brought on by stressful situations. This reminds us of the strong connection between our emotional and physical well-being, particularly concerning heart health.
If you’re experiencing any form of chest pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact our Atlanta cardiologists. Their expertise can provide the answers and care you need, whether your symptoms stem from blood flow issues, structural heart problems, or other cardiac concerns. Remember, regarding your heart health, a timely professional evaluation is key to ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.