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Chest Pain: When to Go to the ER & What’s Causing It?

Learn about different types of chest pain and when to seek emergency care. Understand the causes of chest pain.

Types of Chest Pain

Chest pain can manifest in various ways, and it can be difficult to differentiate what is causing the pain without testing. The way Chest Pain is typically categorized is by dividing it into two categories, typical and atypical chest pain.

Typical Chest Pain

Chest Pain is characterized by pain that occurs with any activity that puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, such as exercise, but then gets better when that activity is stopped. Typical Chest Pain is used to describe Chest Pain that is much more likely to be coming from the heart itself, and is always concerning and should be evaluated by a physician. The sensations associated with chest

Atypical Chest Pain

Atypical chest pain refers to pain that is not clearly related to the heart, but just because it isn’t obviously connected to activities that stress the heart (like exercise), doesn’t mean the causes are always benign. Even serious causes can present in atypical ways. It's essential to be aware of these less typical manifestations: Back Pain: Chest pain experienced as back pain can be confusing

What Causes Chest Pain?

Chest pain can be attributed to a myriad of factors. Some common culprits include: Angina Aortic aneurysm  Aortic dissection  Aortic stenosis  Asthma Blood clot Cardiac condition(s) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD or lung disease) Coronary artery disease (CAD) Coronary artery dissection Costochondritis Esophagitis Gallbladder problems Gallstones Gastroeso

Signs of a Heart Attack

Despite the advances in medical technology and treatment, Heart Disease still remains the number one cause of death in the United State. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack is crucial for immediate action to keep you safe. Symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and pain radiating to the arms, back, or jaw. If you or someone else is experien

How Do I Know If My Chest Pain is Serious?

Determining the seriousness of chest pain can be challenging. As a general rule, any chest pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional. If in doubt, seeking medical attention is the safest course of action.

When to Go to the ER

Certain symptoms indicate the need for immediate attention at the emergency room. These include: Difficulty breathing Nausea or vomiting Vertigo or dizziness Pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensation in your chest Pain radiating to the arms, back, or jaw Abnormally high or low heart rate Heart beating rapidly at rest Loss of color (paleness) Sweating Confusion Loss of cons

Don’t Ignore Your Chest Pain, Visit TotalCare Right Away

Choosing TotalCare Emergency Room for chest pain is a decision rooted in efficiency, expertise, and a commitment to swift, life-saving care. TotalCare's emphasis on readiness, proximity, and rapid diagnostics ensures that patients experiencing chest pain receive immediate attention without delay, and rapid transportation to cardiac cath labs when immediate interventions are required. In the realm

When to Visit the ER

If you are experiencing severe symptoms related to chest pain: when to go to the er & what’s causing it?, don't wait. Visit your nearest TotalCare Emergency Room immediately. We're open 24/7 with board-certified physicians ready to help.

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