$Unique_ID{BRK00828}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How Probable is it that Frequent Chest Pains mean Heart Disease?}
$Subject{heart burn types cause Ill Defined Symptom symptoms esophagus cardiac
coronary artery disease angiograms recurring chest pain pulmonary pneumonia
pleurisy spine ribs shoulder chest wall Esophageal heartburn antacids}
$Volume{N-10}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Probable is it that Frequent Chest Pains mean Heart Disease?


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QUESTION:  I am having frequent chest pains, too frequent for me to be content
with the idea that they are just a form of heart burn.  How probable is it
that I have heart disease, and if not what is causing the heart burn?

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ANSWER:  You pose a difficult question with a lot of "ifs" and "buts," but it
deserves an answer.  Your chest pain could indicate a cardiac problem; your
physician will be able to arrange tests for you to search for the presence of
coronary artery disease.  According to recent studies, however, up to 30% of
the 500,000 coronary angiograms performed in the United States each year are
normal, so it's wise to investigate other possible sources of your pain.
     Intense, recurring chest pain can also signal pulmonary diseases such as
pneumonia or pleurisy, or musculoskeletal disorders of the spine, ribs,
shoulder or chest wall.
     Esophageal disorders are another possible cause of the searing temporary
pain known as heartburn.  These diseases are difficult to diagnose because
their symptoms so closely resemble those of heart conditions.  In fact, in
many patients, cardiac disease coexists with an esophageal disorder.  One
common difference between the two, however, is the location of the pain.
Esophageal pain is more likely to be situated below the sternum (the bone that
lies down the middle of our chest) and to radiate throughout the abdomen.
Cardiac pain is located more often higher up and usually spreads outward to
the face, back or arms.
     Another clue:  antacids are often effective in relieving pain stemming
from esophageal causes.  And usually any pain that becomes worse when you push
a finger against the pain area is usually muscular.
     But while every chest pain may not be cardiac in origin, those which keep
coming back deserve medical attention, not only to find the answers that come
with a proper diagnosis, but also for the relief that treatment can bring.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.