The Heart Aches
This acute cardiac syndrome often presents in men as substernal pressure radiating to the jaw or arm, sweating with dyspnea, and in women/diabetics as epigastric discomfort with a sense of doom.
What is Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)?
This digestive condition feels like a burning chest pain with an acid taste, often after meals.
What is GERD?
Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, nicknamed “broken heart syndrome,” is formally called this.
What is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
This GI cause of chest pain is sometimes relieved by eating, but worsens later; an H. pylori test can confirm.
What is a peptic ulcer?
The first two diagnostics to order when ACS is suspected.
What are ECG and Troponin?
Sudden, sharp, pleuritic pain and shortness of breath could mean this respiratory emergency.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
This symptom, along with chest pressure, is a red flag for ACS and makes nurses reach for the crash cart.
What is diaphoresis (sweating) or dyspnea (shortness of breath)?
Localized, sharp chest pain that increases with movement and palpation points to this musculoskeletal cause.
What is costochondritis?
Acute Coronary Syndrome pain is often described as this type of sensation rather than sharp or stabbing.
What is pressure or heaviness?
A patient with chest tightness, dyspnea, and palpitations - but normal labs and imaging - may be experiencing this non-cardiac cause.
What is anxiety?