Not all chest pain is heart-related, but it should never be ignored.
Common causes include heart disease, acid reflux, lung issues, or anxiety.
Warning signs: pain with exertion, pain radiating to the arm/jaw, shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating.
Early consultation with a cardiologist prevents serious complications.
Dr. Sunny Malhotra sees patients in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton for comprehensive heart evaluations.
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit the emergency room or their doctor. Yet, many people in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton ignore chest discomfort, hoping it will go
away on its own. Unfortunately, this delay can lead to severe outcomes if the cause is heart-related. As a cardiologist, my goal is to help patients recognize the warning symptoms early and take steps to protect their heart health.
What Causes Chest Pain?
Chest pain is not always linked to the heart, but heart-related causes are the most concerning.
1. Heart-Related Causes
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowing of the heart arteries leading to angina (pressure, heaviness, or burning with activity).
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Complete blockage of blood flow, causing crushing chest pain, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac around the heart, causing sharp pain that worsens when lying down.
2. Non-Heart-Related Causes
Acid Reflux or GERD: Burning pain after meals, often mistaken for cardiac pain.
Musculoskeletal Pain: Strain in chest wall muscles or ribs.
Lung Conditions: Pneumonia, blood clots, or collapsed lung can mimic heart pain.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Sharp pain with rapid breathing, dizziness, and palpitations.
When Chest Pain Becomes an Emergency
It is critical to seek immediate medical attention if chest pain comes with:
Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back.
Shortness of breath.
Cold sweats, nausea, or vomiting.
Sudden dizziness or fainting.
These may signal a heart attack and require urgent evaluation.
How a Cardiologist in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton Can Help
Seeing a cardiologist early can prevent emergencies. At Dr. Sunny Malhotra’s cardiology clinics, patients receive:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures heart rhythm.
Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to check heart structure and function.
Stress Test: Evaluates blood flow under exertion.
Blood Work: Checks for cholesterol, diabetes, and heart damage markers.
Preventive Care: Lifestyle and medication management.
By offering care in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton, patients don’t need to travel far for expert heart evaluation.
Lifestyle and Prevention
Chest pain often signals that the heart is under stress. Prevention includes:
Regular exercise (150 minutes per week).
Heart-healthy diet (low in salt, processed foods, and sugar).
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
Routine cardiology check-ups if you have risk factors.
Chest pain should never be ignored. Whether caused by the heart, lungs, or digestive system, only a proper evaluation can determine the true cause. For patients in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton, seeing a cardiologist like Dr. Sunny Malhotra ensures timely diagnosis and peace of mind.
FAQ
Q1: How do I know if my chest pain is heart-related?
If the pain worsens with exertion, radiates to the arm/jaw/back, or comes with shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness, it may be heart-related. Seek medical care immediately.
Q2: Should I go to the ER for chest pain?
Yes, if your symptoms suggest a possible heart attack (severe pain, radiation, sweating, or fainting). Otherwise, schedule a cardiology appointment as soon as possible.
Q3: Can acid reflux feel like heart pain?
Yes, GERD can mimic heart pain, but it is impossible to distinguish without proper tests. Always rule out heart problems first.
Q4: Does family history increase my risk?
Absolutely. If heart disease runs in your family, you should have earlier and more frequent heart evaluations.
Q5: How do I book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Malhotra?
Patients in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton can book through www.drsunnymalhotra.com or by calling the clinic directly.
