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Chest pain can signal heart problems such as coronary artery disease, angina, or heart attack.
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Not all chest pain is cardiac, but it should never be ignored.
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Symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, or fainting alongside chest pain need urgent medical evaluation.
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A cardiologist in Brampton, Mississauga, or Milton can perform advanced testing to diagnose the cause.
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Early detection and treatment can prevent life-threatening complications.
Introduction
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the emergency department. While sometimes it can be due to non-cardiac causes like muscle strain or acid reflux, chest pain may also be a warning sign of a serious heart condition.
If you live in Brampton, Mississauga, or Milton, knowing when to see a cardiologist could save your life. Dr. Sunny Malhotra, a leading cardiologist in the region, specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with heart-related chest discomfort.
This blog explains the causes of chest pain, associated warning symptoms, and when to seek cardiology care.
Common Causes of Chest Pain
1. Cardiac Causes
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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Blockages in heart arteries reduce blood flow and oxygen to the heart. This often causes angina—pressure or tightness in the chest, especially during exertion.
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Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A complete blockage of blood flow to part of the heart muscle, leading to severe chest pain that may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back.
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Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac around the heart, usually causing sharp, stabbing pain.
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Aortic Dissection: A rare but life-threatening tear in the wall of the aorta.
2. Non-Cardiac Causes
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux mimics chest pain but is digestive in nature.
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Musculoskeletal Pain: Strained chest muscles or rib injury.
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Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Often accompanied by rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
While some chest pain may be harmless, certain warning symptoms mean you should see a cardiologist immediately:
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Pain or pressure spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
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Shortness of breath with chest discomfort
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Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
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Sweating and nausea accompanying chest pain
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Chest tightness during physical activity or stress
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A family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death
If you experience these, it’s best to seek medical attention right away.
Why See a Cardiologist in Brampton, Mississauga, or Milton?
Early cardiology evaluation can be life-saving. Dr. Sunny Malhotra provides:
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Diagnostic Testing: ECG, echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac CT scans to detect underlying issues.
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Personalized Risk Assessment: Factoring in blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and family history.
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Treatment Options: From lifestyle changes and medications to advanced interventional procedures if necessary.
Patients in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton don’t need to wait until a heart attack occurs—preventive cardiology can reduce risk and improve long-term outcomes.
Lifestyle Factors That Increase Risk
Some patients are more prone to developing heart-related chest pain. These risk factors include:
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Chronic stress
A cardiologist can work with you to control these risks before they lead to severe complications.
Conclusion
Chest pain is a serious warning sign that should never be ignored. Whether it is mild or severe, recurring or sudden, visiting a cardiologist in Brampton, Mississauga, or Milton can help identify the cause early and provide the right treatment.
Dr. Sunny Malhotra and his team specialize in caring for patients with chest pain and other cardiac symptoms. If you have been experiencing any of the signs mentioned, now is the time to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I know if my chest pain is heart-related?
If the pain occurs with exertion, spreads to the arm/jaw/back, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness, it is likely heart-related and requires urgent evaluation.
Q2: Should I go to the ER or see a cardiologist directly?
If chest pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by fainting or weakness, go to the ER immediately. For ongoing or recurring chest discomfort, schedule a cardiology appointment.
Q3: Can stress really cause chest pain?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can cause chest tightness and palpitations, but only a cardiologist can rule out dangerous causes.
Q4: What tests will a cardiologist do for chest pain?
Common tests include ECG, echocardiogram, stress test, and sometimes advanced imaging like cardiac CT or angiography.
Q5: Is chest pain always dangerous?
Not always—muscle strain or indigestion can cause chest discomfort. However, since heart conditions can be life-threatening, it’s always better to get checked.
