Is My Chest Pain Serious Enough To Go To The ER?
While chest pain is one of several signs of a heart attack, it doesn’t always necessitate a trip to the emergency room. At the ER on Soncy, we understand the anxiety and discomfort that this condition causes. Our highly-trained physicians are always on standby to provide urgent medical care whenever you need it.
Causes of Chest Pain
Common causes of chest pain include panic attacks, heartburn, gallstones, shingles, asthma, pancreatitis, bronchitis, allergies, and injured ribs. Ulcers and acid reflux occur when stomach acid spreads to your esophagus, triggering intense chest pain.
Although pneumonia also causes chest pain, you’re more likely to confuse its symptoms with the flu than a heart attack. They include fever, a sore throat, chills, and coughs. If you enjoy working out, prioritize safety and avoid overexertion as it can cause chest pains.
While it’s not always easy to determine whether your symptoms require emergency treatment, some point to less urgent problems. Examples are pains that disappear quickly or occur only during specific activities. However, we recommend erring on the side of caution. Call 911 or secure an appointment with us if you feel anything out of the ordinary.
Common Signs of a Heart Attack
Certain risk factors increase your likelihood of suffering a heart attack. They include obesity, diabetes, aging, nicotine addiction, high blood pressure, and a family history of heart illnesses. Common signs of a heart attack are:
- Gradual, lingering chest pain: Rather than a few seconds of sharp pain, you might experience persistent discomfort that gradually becomes more intense while spreading outwards.
- Sudden cold, sweating, or nausea: These inconsistencies should prompt you to seek emergency medical attention.
- Shortness of breath: Breathlessness occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood for your body’s needs. It worsens when you lie down or slightly improves if you sit upright.
- Dizziness: Blood pressure drops during a heart attack and reduces the oxygen supply to your brain, causing lightheadedness.
- Irregular heartbeats: You might have heart disease if you experience faster or slower heartbeats than usual. It’s advisable to invest in a portable heart monitor, which makes it easier to seek medical help.
At the ER on Soncy, located in Amarillo, TX, we excel at providing prompt, high-quality, and 24-hour emergency response. In addition to cardiac illnesses, we treat injuries and OB/GYN issues. Our state-of-the-art facilities include the latest imaging equipment, an advanced in-house laboratory, and highly skilled staff. Don’t wait to be seen, come see us today!