Is My Chest Pain Serious Enough To Go To The ER?

Chest pain of any kind can understandably be frightening. While some episodes of chest pain may be harmless, other times, chest pain may indicate a serious problem that requires almost immediate medical attention. The expert team of board-certified ER physicians and professional medical staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care provide prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and potentially life-saving care for patients experiencing chest pain in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX. Use this helpful information to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and when it is appropriate to visit an emergency room for chest pain.

 

What causes chest pain?

Acute, prolonged, or recurrent chest pain can be caused by a number of conditions, ranging from harmless to life-threatening. Some of the most common causes of chest pain include:

 

  • Heartburn
  • GERD
  • Cardiac condition
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Costochondritis
  • Trauma
  • Lung problems
  • Blood clot
  • Heart attack

 

In addition, pain in the chest can range from mild to severe and can be characterized by burning, stinging, stabbing, aching, throbbing, pressure, compression, sharpness, tightness, or dullness.

 

Is chest pain dangerous?

Not all instances of chest pain are associated with a dangerous problem or condition, though some certainly are, which can make it difficult to understand when a trip to the ER is warranted. To further complicate matters, the severity of chest pain symptoms does not always equate to the severity of the underlying process. For example, chest pain associated with a relatively harmless condition, such as heartburn, might feel severe enough to make a person think he or she is experiencing a cardiac problem. Because the cause of chest pain can be particularly difficult to self-diagnose, patients should always visit their nearest ER when experiencing unexplained, severe, prolonged, or otherwise concerning chest pain.

 

When should I go to the ER for chest pain?

A visit to the ER for chest pain can potentially save your life. If you are experiencing chest pain that is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, immediate diagnosis and treatment in the ER may be critical:

 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensation in your chest
  • Pain radiating to the arms, back, or jaw
  • Abnormally high or low heart rate
  • Heart beating rapidly at rest
  • Loss of color (paleness)
  • Sweating
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

 

If you have unexplained, severe, or prolonged chest pain, if your chest pain is accompanied by any of the above symptoms, or if you are concerned about your chest pain, visit your nearest ER immediately. iCare ER & Urgent Care offers two convenient locations in Fort Worth and Frisco, TX with a unique dual-hybrid structure, allowing patients to obtain prompt care and get the most appropriate, cost-effective form of treatment.

 

How do I know if I’m having a heart attack?

Without a doubt, the most common sign or symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. However, you may be surprised to learn that some men and women experience heart attacks without chest pain. With or without severe chest pain, a heart attack can still be life-threatening and requires immediate attention. Common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:

 

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Pain that radiates to the arms, back, or jaw
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating or cold/clammy feeling
  • Nausea

 

It is important to keep in mind that a heart attack does not feel the same for everyone. If you think you may be having a heart attack or have had a heart attack, visit your nearest ER as soon as possible.

 

Chest pain shouldn’t be ignored. Visit your nearest Frisco or Fort Worth ER for chest pain now

When it comes to chest pain, every second can count. Don’t leave your health, safety, and comfort to chance. If you are having chest pain, visit your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care facility in Fort Worth or Frisco to receive the most advanced care and treatment available by our exceptional team of board-certified ER physicians.

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