Chest Pain

Chest pain

Introduction

Chest pain is one of the leading complaints seen in acute care setting. Some of the chief causes resulting in chest pain can be both cardiac and non-cardiac in origin, including of Gastro esophageal reflux, pulmonary conditions, or muscle spasms. However, as heart disease is the primary cause of death in the United States, it is critical that every chest pain is evaluated carefully for an accurate diagnosis. Whether it is cardiac or non-cardiac in origin, every chest pain in acute care setting should be evaluated via thorough history and physical examination. The characteristics of pain, comprising of its location, quality, duration, radiation, and accompanying symptoms, if any, hold significant importance in reaching a diagnosis (Karnath, Holden & Hussain, 2004, pp.24-27).

Discussion

Etiology, Pathophysiology, and Prognosis

Chest is the one of the most common symptoms seen in the emergency care, as well as, the doctor's office. In approximately 50 percent of the cases, the cause of chest pain is due to some cardiac pathology. This can be either ischemic cardiac disease, or non-ischemic cardiac disease. On the contrary, other 50 percent originates from non-cardiac sources. The primary culprit of the non-cardiac chest pain is esophageal disorders, such as esophageal reflux or GERD. Nevertheless, pain originating from either origin, can be seen in one patient, as well. Furthermore, irrespective of the causing agent of chest pain, psychological and psychiatric factors also play an important role in the severity and general perception of chest pain. These factors can significantly mislead the health care providers in reaching an accurate diagnosis (Lenfant, 2010, pp. 41-46).

The ischemic cardiac chest pains are caused by primarily by angina and myocardial infarction. However, it may include aortic stenosis, coronary vasospasm, and many more. Stable angina may serve as an alarming prelude. This can cause serious ischemic cardiac disease, ...