Chest Pain

Chest pain isn’t something to brush off, as it could indicate a heart attack or another serious medical problem. At Memorial Springs ER in Spring, Texas, the team diagnoses and treats underlying causes of chest pain to reduce your risk of life-threatening complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. Walk-ins are welcome.

What is chest pain?

Chest pain is an uncomfortable feeling in the upper, lower, right, or left side of your chest. It can range in severity from mild to severe and, in some cases, it can be life-threatening. It’s vital to seek medical care at the first sign of chest pain to get the immediate treatment needed to avoid further problems.

What can chest pain feel like?

Chest pain or its underlying cause might appear as:

• Dull aching
• Sharp stabbing
• Crushing
• Burning
• Radiating discomfort
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Searing pain
• Cold sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Difficult breathing
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness 
• Weakness
• Racing heartbeat
• Tenderness
• Pain when moving, coughing, or breathing deeply

You might also develop vomiting or nausea with chest pain. The discomfort could get worse over time, remain constant, or come and go.

What might cause chest pain?

Causes of chest pain include:

• Poor blood flow to the heart
• Heart inflammation
• Heart attack
• Gallbladder or pancreas problems
• Heartburn
• Swallowing disorders
• Sore muscles 
• Injured ribs
• Collapsed lungs
• Lung inflammation
• Blood clots
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Shingles
• Panic attacks
• Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)

Because chest pain sometimes indicates a heart attack or another serious problem, it’s vital to seek medical attention at the first sign of discomfort. Head to a nearby emergency room or dial 911.

How is the underlying cause of chest pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing the underlying cause of chest pain at Memorial Springs ER involves a discussion about your symptoms, medications, lifestyle, and medical history. Your provider checks your blood pressure and other vital signs, completes a medical exam, and may order heart-function tests, lung testing, lab testing, imaging procedures, or additional diagnostic tests.

How is chest pain treated?

Your chest pain treatment plan depends on its cause. The Memorial Springs ER team may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes
• Weight loss
• Medications
• Further diagnostic testing
• Rehabilitation 
• Heart procedures

Examples of heart procedures include angioplasty with stent placement, coronary artery bypass surgery, and numerous others that can repair your heart or blood vessels. 

Your urgent care specialist might refer you to a heart specialist for additional testing and treatment. They follow up to ensure an exceptional outcome.

Schedule a chest pain evaluation at Memorial Springs ER by phone or online today, or simply walk in.