Chest Pain

Chest pain is a common pain complaint that may develop from a range of causes. However, chest pain should never be ignored because it may be a symptom of an underlying heart condition. At Vivify Medical in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, board-certified cardiologist Amnon Beniaminovitz, MD, is an experienced cardiovascular specialist offering advanced diagnostic testing to assess heart health and function and determine the underlying cause of your chest pain. To schedule an evaluation, contact the New York City office by phone or online today.

What is chest pain?

Chest pain is a general medical term used to describe the discomfort you experience in your chest. Most people fear a heart attack when they experience chest pain. However, chest pain can develop from many causes. 

Cardiovascular causes of chest pain include:

• Heart attack
• Angina
• Aortic dissection (tear in the aorta)
• Aortic stenosis
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac that surrounds your heart)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Anxiety 
• Indigestion
• Infection
• Muscle strain  

You may also develop chest pain during a panic attack if you have gallstones or a muscle strain. Because chest pain may be a symptom of a potentially life-threatening condition, you shouldn’t ignore the symptom.

Vivify Medical is a cutting-edge cardiovascular practice that offers same-day appointments and is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that can provide the answers you need. 

What are cardiac-related chest pain symptoms?

Though chest pain symptoms vary, you may be able to determine if your discomfort is related to your heart based on the types of symptoms you’re experiencing. With angina, your chest pain may feel like a squeezing or burning sensation. Other symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Pain that travels to your arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness

If you only experience chest pain during physical exertion, you may have what’s referred to as stable angina. Angina is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. 

What happens during a chest pain evaluation?

At Vivify Medical we will perform a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office with chest pain. During your exam, we will review your symptoms, medical and family history, and risk factors. We will then perform a physical exam and may request various diagnostic tests to assess heart health and function, such as: 
 

• Blood work 

• Electrocardiogram 

• Echocardiogram  

• Stress testing 

• CT scan 

How is chest pain treated?

Treatment for your chest pain depends on the underlying cause. we at Vivify Medical develop personalized treatment plans specific to your needs, which may include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Disease-specific medications
• Interventions such as cardiac catherization and stent placement
• Possible coronary bypass surgery
• Surgical or endovascular repair of a valve
• Cardiac rehab

For comprehensive care of your chest pain from a cardiovascular specialist, call Vivify Medical or request an appointment through the online booking tool.