Chest Pain Treatment Options

Chest pain is usually a symptom of an underlying disease and can result from many different conditions. The most common causes of chest pain are heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Chest pain Covington can also result from arrhythmia and other heart problems that can lead to blockage in the blood vessels. If you are experiencing chest pain Covington, it is crucial to get medical attention as soon as possible.

There are many treatment options for chest pain. The first step in determining the best treatment is to understand what type of chest pain you have. Is it sharp, stabbing, or burning? Once your cardiologist knows this, it will be easier to decide on the best treatment option. Below are some of the most common types of chest pain treatments:

Medication

Medications are often used as the first line of defense against chest pain caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). These medications include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins. They are commonly prescribed to people with high cholesterol or abnormal levels of blood fats (triglycerides) or who have had a heart attack. They also work well in people with diabetes who have peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which occurs when arteries become blocked by plaque buildup. Medications that lower blood pressure may also be prescribed for those with hypertension or heart failure.

Angioplasty – Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Angioplasty involves inserting an instrument into a blocked artery before inflating a balloon on the other end of the instrument to open up the blockage. The doctor can perform the procedure through your femoral artery in your leg or groin (in men) or your radial artery in your arm or wrist. Angioplasty is a temporary treatment because it does not permanently open up clogged arteries. You will need to take medicine several weeks after angioplasty before resuming normal activities without experiencing chest pain.

Surgery

Surgery is a last resort for some types of chest pain. Your cardiologist may recommend it if the medication does not relieve your symptoms and you have other underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. Surgery can also treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias and heartbeats known as tachycardia (fast heartbeat).

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is a procedure that uses chest compressions and breaths to help restore blood flow and oxygen levels to the heart and lungs. That helps reduce stress on your heart and keeps it from going into fibrillation or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). CPR is performed by an emergency medical technician (EMT) or certified nurse practitioner (CNP). The EMT will place their hands on your chest, compress your heart, give you rescue breaths and administer cardiac medications if necessary.

Chest pain is a common symptom of many different conditions. If you have chest pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Most people who experience chest pain do not need to go to the emergency room. However, if you experience a severe sharp, stabbing, or radiating pain in your chest that lasts more than 15 minutes or causes you to feel short of breath and lightheaded, you should seek urgent medical attention. Contact Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute to book your appointment with a cardiologist to learn more about chest pain and possible treatment plans.