Cardiology Emergency & Symptom Guide
Chest Pain: 10 Causes You Should Never Ignore (When to See a Cardiologist)
Reviewed by Dr. Alok Sen (Senior Cardiologist) at DoonClinic. Learn how to distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac chest pain and recognize red flag heart attack symptoms.
RED FLAG EMERGENCY SIGNS (Call 108)
If your chest pain feels like crushing pressure spreading to your left arm or jaw, accompanied by cold sweat, dizziness, or vomiting—seek emergency hospital care immediately.
1. Is Every Chest Pain a Heart Attack?
Chest pain can arise from heart (cardiac) or non-heart (musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory) causes. However, because heart attacks are time-sensitive emergencies, cardiac causes must always be evaluated first.
2. 10 Common Causes of Chest Pain
Cardiac Causes:
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Sudden blockage of coronary artery blood flow.
- Angina Pectoris: Reduced blood flow during exertion due to arterial plaque narrowing.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.
- Aortic Dissection: Tear in the inner wall of the aorta requiring immediate surgery.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of heart muscle tissue.
Non-Cardiac Causes:
- GERD / Acid Reflux: Stomach acid burning the esophagus, causing breastbone pain.
- Costochondritis: Rib cartilage inflammation that hurts when pressed.
- Panic Attack / Anxiety: Sudden adrenaline rush causing chest constriction.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clot in lung arteries causing acute breathlessness.
- Pleurisy / Pneumonia: Lung lining inflammation causing sharp pain on breathing.
3. Diagnostic Tests Advised by Cardiologists
To pinpoint the exact cause, cardiologists at DoonClinic perform 12-lead ECG, Troponin I blood enzyme testing, 2D Echocardiogram ultrasound, and Coronary Angiography.
4. When to Book a Cardiologist Consultation
Book a consultation if you experience chest discomfort on walking, unexplained shortness of breath, or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease.