Should I Go To The ER For Chest Pain That Comes And Goes?

Introduction

Chest pain, even if it comes and goes, can be a frightening experience. While a heart attack is a concern, numerous other factors can contribute to this discomfort. This article sheds light on the various reasons behind intermittent chest pain and helps you determine when a visit to the emergency room (ER) is necessary.

When To Seek Emergency Care

Certain red flags indicate a potential heart attack, requiring immediate medical attention:

• Sudden, Severe Chest Pain

  A crushing or squeezing pain in the center of your chest, lasting for more than a few minutes, is a warning sign [1].

• Pain Radiating To Other Areas

  If the pain spreads to your arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulders, seek emergency care [2].

• Shortness Of Breath

  Difficulty breathing often accompanies a heart attack [3].

• Other Concerning Symptoms

  Sweating, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness can be signs of a heart attack and require immediate attention [4].

Other Causes Of Intermittent Chest Pain

If you don’t experience the above red flags, your chest pain could be caused by other factors:

• Heartburn (GERD)

  Stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus can cause a burning chest pain that comes and goes, especially after eating or lying down [5].

• Muscle Strain Or Costochondritis

  Inflammation of chest wall muscles or cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone can lead to sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with movement or deep breaths [6, 7].

• Anxiety Or Panic Attack

  Anxiety attacks can trigger chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a feeling of pressure or pain in the chest [8].

• Pleurisy

  Inflammation of the pleura, the lining surrounding your lungs, can cause sharp chest pain, especially when taking a deep breath or coughing [9].

• Esophageal Spasm

  Involuntary contractions of the esophagus can mimic heartburn and cause a squeezing or pressure-like pain in the chest [10].

Making The Decision: ER Or Home Care

• Consider The Severity And Duration Of Pain

  Severe, persistent pain, even if it comes and goes, warrants an ER visit.

• Evaluate Accompanying Symptoms

  If chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or radiating pain, seek emergency care.

• Think About Your Risk Factors

  If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, a cautious approach is advisable.

Additional Tips

• Maintain A Pain Diary

  Record the frequency, intensity, duration, and triggers of your chest pain to help your doctor diagnose the cause.

• Practice Relaxation Techniques

  Deep breathing exercises and meditation can help manage anxiety-related chest pain.

• Avoid Smoking

  Smoking irritates the lungs and worsens chest pain from conditions like pleurisy.

• Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

  Manage stress, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to promote overall health.

FAQs

• Can I Treat Chest Pain That Comes And Goes At Home?

  If the pain is mild, infrequent, and not accompanied by concerning symptoms, home remedies like antacids for heartburn or over-the-counter pain relievers for muscle strain might help. However, consult your doctor to rule out serious causes.

• What Diagnostic Tests Might A Doctor Perform?

  Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend an EKG/ECG, chest X-ray, CT scan, or other tests to identify the underlying cause.

• What If My Chest Pain Worsens While At Home?

  If the pain intensifies, becomes persistent, or you experience concerning symptoms like shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.

• Can Anxiety Cause Chest Pain That Comes And Goes?

  Yes, anxiety attacks can trigger episodes of chest pain, often accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of panic.

• Should I See A Doctor Even If The Chest Pain Goes Away?

  If you experience any unexplained chest pain, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive proper treatment, even if the pain subsides.

Conclusion

Chest pain, whether constant or intermittent, shouldn’t be ignored. While a heart attack is a possibility, numerous other conditions can cause this discomfort. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek emergency medical attention, especially if accompanied by concerning symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can ensure optimal health outcomes. For milder cases, consulting your doctor to identify the cause and explore treatment options is crucial.

References

• [1] Heart Attack – Mayo Clinic
• [2] Heart Attack Symptoms – Mayo Clinic
• [3] Heart Attack Symptoms – Mayo Clinic
• [4] Heart Attack Symptoms – Mayo Clinic
• [5] Acid Reflux (GERD) – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• [6] Costochondritis – Mayo Clinic
• [7] Chest Wall Pain – Cleveland Clinic
• [8] Anxiety Disorders – National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
• [9] Pleurisy – Mayo Clinic
• [10] Esophageal Spasm – International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders