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Chest Pain

Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiologists, General Cardiology, Cardiology, Cardiologists & Cardiologist to Women's Health & Cardiology located in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD
Chest Pain

Chest Pain services offered in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD

Chest pain could be a symptom of lung disease, indigestion, or an anxiety disorder, but the cause is often heart-related. If you have unexplained chest pain, visit Capitol Cardiology Associates. At offices in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Laurel, and Largo, Maryland, the practice’s dedicated cardiologists use advanced diagnostics to identify the cause of your chest pain and find the most effective treatment. For a prompt chest pain diagnosis and expert treatment, call your nearest Capitol Cardiology Associates office today or schedule a consultation using the online form.

Chest Pain Q & A

What causes chest pain?

There are numerous potential causes of chest pain. A common problem is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes burning pain in your chest (heartburn). You can also get chest pain from lung infections such as pneumonia and pleurisy.

Chest pain that has cardiovascular causes is commonly known as angina. Cardiovascular causes of chest pain include:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Heart attack
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Pericarditis (heart inflammation)
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)

If you have an anxiety disorder, chest pain that mimics a heart attack can occur during a panic attack.

How is chest pain diagnosed?

Sudden, severe chest pain is a heart attack symptom and requires emergency medical attention. You should call 911 or get to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

For non-emergency chest pain, visit Capitol Cardiology Associates. Your experienced doctor performs a thorough evaluation and physical exam, including a review of your personal and family medical histories.

You might need to undergo some tests. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a standard in-office procedure that measures the electrical activity in your heart. 

Your cardiologist might also arrange other tests, such as an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), cardiac PET scan, electrophysiology, or stress testing.

How is chest pain treated?

The treatment you require for chest pain depends on what’s causing your condition. 

Common cardiac conditions like CAD and congestive heart failure might require medications that relax the heart arteries and improve blood circulation. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) might be necessary to prevent your blood from clotting too readily.

You might need medications to lower your readings if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure. These conditions are the root cause of many heart and circulatory conditions.

Your Capitol Cardiology Associates provider offers advice on lifestyle changes like weight loss, regular exercise, and a heart-healthy diet, in addition to prescribing any medicines.

If you have a severe condition that medications and lifestyle changes can’t address, you may need to undergo a minimally invasive procedure using cardiac catheterization techniques. Options include balloon angioplasty and stenting or atherectomy to open up narrowed arteries.

To find the cause of your chest pain and receive fast, effective treatment, call Capitol Cardiology Associates or use the online form to book an appointment.