Chest Pain: Is It Ever Normal?

Chest pain is sometimes a temporary issue brought on by a pulled muscle or heartburn. While many causes of chest pain often aren’t serious, it’s always a good idea to check in with a cardiologist.

At Parkview Cardiology PLLC in New York City, board-certified cardiologist Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, uses the latest technologies to diagnose and treat chest pain and its underlying, cardiac-related causes. He can customize a care plan to ease pain and other symptoms.

We also provide educational resources to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk factors for chest pain and other complications.

Chest pain and its causes

Chest pain can manifest in different ways. You might feel a stabbing or burning pain or experience increased sensations of heaviness or achiness in your chest. The level of pain and other symptoms depend on the root cause.

Heart-related causes of chest pain can include:

Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart valve disease
Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)
Cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle)

Noncardiac chest pain triggers can include acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), muscle strains, and anxiety or panic. You might also experience chest discomfort or pain if you have pneumonia or another lung condition.

When to seek medical attention for chest pain

Pain isn’t necessarily normal — it’s your body’s way of alerting you that something isn’t functioning correctly. However, not all instances of chest pain are cause for immediate worry.

Seek medical attention for chest pain that occurs frequently or is sudden or intense, whether you’re active or at rest. Dr. Sankholkar also recommends a diagnostic evaluation if you experience chest pain during exercise or other physical exertion that’s accompanied by:

Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Radiating pain into the jaw or arm

When you’re not sure whether you need to see a cardiologist but have concerns about your symptoms, call Parkview Cardiology PLLC to discuss your care options with our staff.

If you think pain relates to a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate medical attention.

Understanding your treatment options for chest pain

Chest pain treatment is based on the root cause and severity of your symptoms. Dr. Sankholkar completes a comprehensive health exam, listens to your heart, and takes a blood pressure reading. He may also order blood work or other labs to check for infection and other issues.

Chest pain related to underlying heart conditions may require medications to improve blood flow or surgery to treat blood vessel blockages. We specialize in angioplasty and other procedures to prevent heart damage.

Stabilizing and improving your heart health are priorities for us. Dr. Sankholkar may recommend lifestyle changes to boost your health. He offers heart-healthy nutritional information that supports your overall wellness and helps you maintain an ideal body weight.

To schedule a cardiology evaluation for chest pain at Parkview Cardiology PLLC, call our Midtown Manhattan office today or book an appointment online.