What will a cardiologist do for chest pain?

A cardiologist can help determine the cause and the appropriate treatment plan. Chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack, which is a life-threatening emergency. Know the signs and call 911 if you think you are having a heart attack.
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Do I need to see a cardiologist for chest pain?

Having chest pain or discomfort is a very serious symptom that patients should not ignore. They should seek medical attention, whether it be through a primary care physician to start, or a cardiologist.” A feeling like your heart is racing very fast (often called heart palpitations). Feeling like you might faint.
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What will a cardiologist do on your first visit?

Your first visit with a cardiologist will involve a physical exam and possibly some bloodwork and non-invasive tests. Non-invasive tests are generally pain-free.
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Can a cardiologist detect a heart attack?

Tests to diagnose a heart attack include: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This first test done to diagnose a heart attack records electrical signals as they travel through the heart. Sticky patches (electrodes) are attached to the chest and sometimes the arms and legs.
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What happens when you get referred to a cardiologist?

The cardiologist will evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history and may recommend diagnostic tests to appropriately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and help your cardiology care team evaluate the best form of treatment for you.
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Cardiologist Explains what Heart Pain Feels Like



Will an EKG show heart problems?

An electrocardiogram records the electrical signals in the heart. It's a common and painless test used to quickly detect heart problems and monitor the heart's health.
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Is being referred to a cardiologist serious?

Not necessarily. “It's very common,” says Abed Asfour, M.D., director of interventional cardiology at Beaumont Hospital, Trenton. “Most of our patients are referrals.” Generally speaking, heart specialists will start you out with a physical exam, including blood work to measure cholesterol and blood-sugar levels.
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What is a pre heart attack?

Pre-Heart Attack Symptoms – Female

Men may feel pain and numbness in the left arm or the side of the chest. In women, these symptoms may appear on the right side. Women may experience unexplained exhaustion, or feel drained, dizzy or nauseous. Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw.
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What causes chest pain if EKG is normal?

It could be a lung disorder, such as a blood clot to the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism. Additionally, other causes of chest discomfort include spasm of the esophagus, diseases of the aorta, gastroesophageal reflux disease, musculoskeletal pain, fast heart rhythm abnormalities and costochondritis.
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What is a mild heart attack?

In this type of heart attack, blood flow through one of the coronary arteries was partially blocked, limiting the supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. “If you were told you've had a mild heart attack, it probably means your heart didn't suffer much damage and still pumps normally,” Dr. Campbell says.
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How does a cardiologist examine you?

A cardiologist will review a patient's medical history and carry out a physical examination. They may check the person's weight, heart, lungs, blood pressure, and blood vessels, and carry out some tests.
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What questions will a cardiologist ask?

8 questions to ask your cardiologist
  • Am I at risk of heart problems in the future? ...
  • What tests are you ordering? ...
  • What should my blood pressure be? ...
  • Are there any activities I should avoid? ...
  • How does my family history affect me? ...
  • How does my cholesterol affect my heart? ...
  • What treatment options are available?
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How does a cardiologist check your heart?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG reflects what's happening in different areas of the heart and helps identify any problems with the rhythm or rate of your heart. The ECG is painless and takes around 5-10 minutes to perform.
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How do I know if my chest pain is a heart problem?

Heart-related chest pain

Pressure, fullness, burning or tightness in your chest. Crushing or searing pain that spreads to your back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and one or both arms. Pain that lasts more than a few minutes, gets worse with activity, goes away and comes back, or varies in intensity. Shortness of breath.
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What tests do they run for chest pain?

Some of the first tests a health care provider may order when evaluating chest pain include:
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick test measures the electrical activity of the heart. ...
  • Blood tests. ...
  • Chest X-ray. ...
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
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Do they admit you for chest pain?

If your chest pain is due to a heart attack or another life-threatening condition, you will be admitted to the hospital. In the first 24 hours after being admitted to the hospital, you may undergo further testing and monitoring as doctors closely watch over you.
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What are 6 common non cardiac causes of chest pain?

  • Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is associated with gradual or sudden sharp chest pain, tightness that exactly feels like a heart attack that worsens with physical exertion. ...
  • Pulmonary hypertension. ...
  • Collapsed lung. ...
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ...
  • Esophageal Rupture. ...
  • Hiatal Hernia. ...
  • Costochondritis. ...
  • Muscle Strain.
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Is it normal to have chest pain for days?

No. Chest pain isn't normal. If you have chest pain, contact your healthcare provider or 911 right away. Although most people think of a heart attack when they think of chest pain, there are many other conditions that cause chest pain.
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Can anxiety cause chest pain everyday?

While anxiety chest pain varies from person to person, you may feel a constant, mild sense of discomfort or chest pain that comes and goes throughout the day.
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How long does your body warn you before a heart attack?

A heart attack may strike suddenly, but most people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks beforehand. One of the earliest warning signs of an impending heart attack is chest pain, or angina, that occurs repeatedly because of exertion and is then eased by rest.
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What is a silent heart attack?

A silent heart attack is a heart attack that has few, if any, symptoms or has symptoms not recognized as a heart attack. A silent heart attack might not cause chest pain or shortness of breath, which are typically associated with a heart attack.
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How can I rule out a heart attack at home?

Non-Classical Heart Attack Symptoms
  1. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain.
  2. Shortness of breath.
  3. Breaking out in a sweat.
  4. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
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What kind of test do cardiologist perform?

Electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a quick test using stickers on the chest, arms, and legs to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This test is useful for the detection of heart rhythm abnormalities as well as enlargement of the heart chambers.
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When is it time to see a cardiologist?

Definitely see a cardiologist if you're experiencing: Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Abnormally fast or slow heart rate.
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Can doctors tell if your heart is failing?

A test called an echocardiogram is often the best test to diagnose your heart failure. Your doctor can also use this test to find out why you have heart failure, and then monitor your condition going forward every three to six months.
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