Chest Pain and Angina in Reading
Chest pain, chest tightness and a feeling of heaviness can have a number of different causes. While some causes may be relatively minor, chest discomfort can sometimes be associated with an underlying heart condition and should be investigated appropriately.
If you are experiencing unexplained or recurring chest pain in Reading or the surrounding Berkshire area, a cardiology assessment can help establish whether your symptoms could be related to the heart and whether further investigation is required.
What does cardiac chest pain feel like?
Cardiac chest pain can vary between individuals. It is often described as a heavy, tight or squeezing sensation across the chest. The discomfort may also:
- Spread into the neck or arms
- Occur during physical activity or exertion
- Be accompanied by breathlessness
- Cause sweating
- Make you feel generally unwell
These symptoms can sometimes be associated with angina. Angina is commonly caused by narrowed coronary arteries, which can reduce the blood supply to the heart muscle.
What causes chest pain?
There are numerous possible causes of chest pain, which is why it is important not to assume that discomfort is caused by the heart.
A cardiologist will take a detailed history of the symptoms and perform an examination. This can help establish what may be causing the discomfort and whether cardiac investigations are appropriate.
Chest pain when exercising
Chest discomfort that repeatedly occurs during exercise or physical exertion can require further investigation.
Cardiac chest pain is often exertional, so it is important to tell your cardiologist what you were doing when the symptoms started, how long they lasted and whether they improved when you stopped exercising.
Chest pain and breathlessness
Chest pain accompanied by breathlessness can be particularly important to investigate.
Cardiac chest pain may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating or a general feeling of being unwell. A cardiologist can assess whether these symptoms could be related to the heart.
How is chest pain investigated?
Depending on your symptoms and the findings from your assessment, investigations may include:
ECG: An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart and can provide useful information when investigating chest symptoms.
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart that assesses its structure and function.
CT coronary angiogram: A CT coronary angiogram provides detailed images of the coronary arteries and can be used to investigate whether there are areas of narrowing.
Coronary angiogram: An invasive coronary angiogram provides detailed images of the coronary arteries. Where appropriate, coronary angioplasty and stenting can be performed to treat narrowed arteries. The most appropriate tests will depend on your individual symptoms and clinical assessment.
Chest pain assessment in Reading
If you are experiencing persistent, recurring or unexplained chest pain in Reading, a cardiology assessment can help establish whether there is an underlying cardiac cause. A thorough assessment can also help determine which investigations, if any, are appropriate for your symptoms.
When should chest pain be treated as an emergency?
Sudden chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness or squeezing, particularly when it spreads to the arms, neck or jaw, can be a sign of a heart attack. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 999 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Can chest pain be a sign of a heart problem? Yes. Chest pain can have many causes, but it can sometimes be associated with coronary artery disease or other cardiac conditions.
What does angina feel like? Angina can cause chest discomfort that feels heavy, tight, pressured or squeezing. It can sometimes spread to the neck, jaw or arms.
Why do I get chest pain when exercising? There are several possible causes. Chest discomfort that repeatedly occurs during physical activity should be assessed to establish whether there is an underlying cardiac cause.
What tests are used to investigate chest pain? Depending on the circumstances, investigations can include an ECG, echocardiogram, CT coronary angiogram or invasive coronary angiogram.
Should I see a cardiologist about chest pain? If your chest pain is unexplained, recurring or occurs with exercise or other symptoms such as breathlessness, a cardiological assessment may be appropriate.