Chest Pain

Not all chest pain means a heart attack, but every episode deserves expert evaluation. At Parkview Cardiology PLLC, board-certified cardiologist and internist Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, is a chest pain specialist providing deep insight and effective treatments in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Phone the office or book a consultation online. Both office visits and telehealth are now available.

What causes chest pain?

Chest pain may stem from cardiac conditions, such as:

• Angina: Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle
• Heart attack: A blocked artery that causes permanent heart damage
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart
• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle
• Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta’s inner layer — a life-threatening emergency
• Coronary artery spasm (Prinzmetal’s angina): Sudden artery tightening, often at rest
• Heart valve disease: Valve problems that cause chest discomfort during activity
• Heart failure: Weakened heart function leading to pressure or pain
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Thickened heart muscle, which limits blood flow

Chest pain isn't always a heart issue. For example, some people experience chest pain during anxiety attacks. 

Making assumptions about the source of your chest pain can be dangerous. Even if you think your chest pain is probably due to a temporary stressful situation, a medical evaluation is the best way to be sure and protect your long-term health.

How is chest pain evaluated?

Dr. Sankholkar combines a detailed medical history and physical exam with diagnostic tests to pinpoint the source of your chest pain.

Tests often include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor heart rhythm, cardiac stress testing to assess heart function under exertion, and echocardiograms to evaluate heart structure.

You could also need blood work to detect markers of heart damage or inflammation. These tests can play an integral part in early diagnosis, which means you can get the treatment you need faster.

When is chest pain an emergency?

Chest pain rises to the level of a medical emergency if you also have symptoms, including the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Pain radiating to the arm or jaw

These symptoms could point to a crisis event such as a heart attack, so seek medical care immediately.  

How is heart-related chest pain treated?

Dr. Sankholkar focuses on the root cause of the chest pain and recommends evidence-based approaches that start from within. 

Some aspects of his multi-pronged treatment strategies are lifestyle changes, including weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure management, and medications, such as nitrates, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

If conservative approaches aren't successful, Dr. Sankholkar may recommend a minimally invasive treatment such as cardiac catheterization or angioplasty. During angioplasty, Dr. Sankholkar uses a small balloon to widen the artery, and he may place a stent to keep it open. This improves blood flow and relieves chest pain.

Severe or widespread blockages could require surgery, like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This procedure creates a new path for blood to flow around blocked arteries, restoring oxygen supply to the heart muscle and reducing chest pain.

Concerned about chest pain? Call the office or book an in-person or virtual visit online now.  Ofcourse if you are having a medical emergency or are unsure, best to call 911 or go the nearest ER.