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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore That Occasional Chest Pain
Chest pain is stressful, regardless of when and how it develops. But many people ignore occasional chest pain in the belief that it’s nothing to worry about.
The team at Heart and Vascular Care is here to underscore the importance of listening to the messages your body is sending when it comes to any form of chest pain. Let’s discuss when community members in Plano, Texas, should take action for chest pain.
Don’t let fear prevent you from seeking care
One of the biggest reasons why so many people ignore occasional chest pain is the fear that a cardiology assessment might reveal a serious heart condition. While this fear is understandable, we should also note the logical flaws in this way of thinking.
Detecting a heart condition early, while perhaps not an enjoyable experience, allows you to pursue early intervention. That means you can avoid a much more serious issue like a heart attack by taking action now.
Unlike some other organs within the body, you cannot survive without a functioning heart. So paying close attention to this part of your health should always be a top priority, even if you don’t like coming in for screenings or diagnostic care.
Chest pain isn’t always a sign of a heart condition
When it comes to infrequent chest pain, these sensations are very often completely unrelated to your heart health. There are several things that can lead to occasional chest pain, including:
- Acid reflux
- Panic attack
- Stomach ulcers
- Gallstones
- Respiratory infection
- Muscle strain
- Infection of the breast tissue
- Pulmonary embolism
As you can see, some of these conditions are more serious than others. But it’s helpful to keep in mind that pain is the body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. It shouldn’t be ignored, even if it only occurs from time to time.
Even if your discomfort stems from one of the issues mentioned above, a cardiology assessment can help determine the true source of the pain and empower you to take action to treat the underlying condition.
Signs that chest pain might be linked to a heart issue
To begin, it isn’t always possible to determine on your own if discomfort is linked to a heart health problem. But there are some telltale signs that you should be aware of. If any of the following apply when you experience chest pain, the best course of action is to come in for a diagnostic assessment.
- Family or personal history of heart disease
- Shortness of breath
- Pain that gets worse when you’re active and lessens with rest
- Pain that lingers for more than a few minutes
- Pain that grows worse over time
If you have risk factors for heart disease, like being older than 60, having diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, you should never take chest pain lightly. It’s always better to know the status of your heart health before a serious event occurs.
If you’re concerned about your own chest pain or the discomfort felt by a loved one, you are always welcome to reach out to the team at Heart and Vascular Care to schedule a visit.
We offer comprehensive diagnostic technology and a warm, compassionate bedside manner. Even if your screenings reveal no concerns, we can focus on discussing ways to enhance and support your heart health, as preventive cardiology is a specialty at our practice.