Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the most common heart problems, affecting millions of people worldwide. It happens when the arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrow or blocked by a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque is made of cholesterol, fats, and other materials. When blood can’t flow freely to the heart, it can lead to serious issues like a heart attack.
One major warning sign of CAD is chest pain, also called angina. Knowing what this pain feels like can help you get the care you need quickly.
What Does Chest Pain Feel Like?
Chest pain from CAD might feel like:
- Pressure, squeezing, or tightness in your chest.
- Pain that spreads to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
- Discomfort that happens during exercise, stress, or after eating a big meal—and gets better with rest.
Some people feel chest pain differently. Other symptoms can include:
- Feeling short of breath.
- Being very tired.
- Feeling like you have indigestion or feeling sick to your stomach.
Women may notice pain or discomfort in their neck, jaw, or upper back instead of chest pain.
Why Does Chest Pain Happen?
Chest pain happens because your heart isn’t getting enough blood and oxygen. This is called ischemia. When your heart struggles, it sends out warning signs like discomfort or pain.
How is Chest Pain Evaluated?
If you have chest pain, your doctor will use several tests to find out what’s causing it and how serious the problem is. These may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of your heart. It can show if your heart is not beating normally or if there’s a lack of blood flow.
- Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart. It helps doctors see how well your heart is pumping and if there are any problems with your heart valves.
- Stress Test: During this test, your heart is monitored while you exercise or take medicine that makes your heart work harder. It helps show if your heart is getting enough blood during activity.
- Cardiac Catheterization: If needed, this procedure is used to look inside your arteries. A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to your heart. Doctors may also take X-rays to check for blockages or narrowing in the arteries.
These tests are important for understanding your chest pain and deciding the best treatment plan.
When to Get Help Right Away
Never ignore chest pain. Call for help immediately if:
- The pain lasts more than a few minutes or gets worse.
- You feel short of breath, dizzy, or break out in a cold sweat.
- You have heart problems, and the pain feels different from your usual symptoms.
These could be signs of a heart attack, and fast treatment is critical.
How is CAD Treated?
If you have CAD, there are many ways to manage it and stay healthy:
- Healthy Habits: Eat healthy foods, stay active, quit smoking, and find ways to lower stress.
- Medications: Medicines can lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, and improve blood flow to your heart.
- Procedures or Surgery: In some cases, doctors may recommend treatments like placing a stent or bypass surgery to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
Prevention Matters
The best way to fight CAD is to prevent it. Take care of your health by managing things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Regular check-ups with your doctor are also important to keep your heart in good shape.
The Bottom Line
Chest pain is a serious warning sign. If you or someone you love has symptoms of CAD, don’t wait—get medical care right away. At Tri-City Cardiology, we’re here to help you protect your heart and live a healthier life.
For more information about CAD or our services, contact us today.