Chest Pain Features

Your chest pain could point to one of the following heart-related diseases:

• Stable Angina: A chest pain or discomfort as a result of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This type of pain usually occurs with activity, excitement, or emotional stress and is relieved with rest. It will begin at a low level, then gradually increases within the next few minutes. 

• Unstable Angina: Occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough blood flow and oxygen. The severity and duration of angina may vary. If you notice a sudden change in chest pain, you may be experiencing unstable angina. Remember: Unstable angina symptoms may signal an impending heart attack. Because of this—when these symptoms arise—call your local ER as quickly as possible.

• Pulmonary Embolism: This occurs when a clot (typically from your leg or pelvic veins) lodges in a pulmonary artery of your lung. Since the clot cuts off blood flow to your lungs, a pulmonary embolism is potentially life-threatening.

Heart Valve Disease: The heart has four valves; each opens and closes to keep blood flowing in the right direction. This also ensures proper circulation. If a valve malfunctions, you may develop a heart valve disease. If you were previously diagnosed with heart valve disease and experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

 Remember: You must move fast during life-threatening situations. Call your doctor ASAP if you experience:

• Persistent chest pain during the past two months that is now more severe.
• Chest pain that occurs three or more times a day.
• A sudden increase in chest pain that is more severe or long in duration.
• Chest pain at rest despite no apparent exertion or stress.

Call 911 or other emergency services if you have coronary artery disease diagnosed by a doctor in the past. Or if you experience chest pain that persists after taking your home treatment plan for angina.