Symptoms · Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates
Chest pain
Chest pain can be a sign that something is wrong. Because it often comes and goes quickly, many people ignore it. But ignoring chest pain can lead to bigger health problems later.
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Last reviewed: Pending review
- What it can mean
- Chest pain has many possible causes. Some come from the heart. Others come from the lungs, the stomach, or the muscles and bones of the chest. Chest pain does not always mean heart disease, but it should be checked.
- When to see a cardiologist
- Book a visit if you have chest pain or pressure, even if it was brief or has gone away. If the pain comes with shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, a cold sweat or vomiting, or spreads to your back, neck, shoulder or jaw, get emergency care right away. You may be having a heart attack.
- What happens at MCVA
- Dr. Ghalchi sees you himself. The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. He reads every study himself. You leave with answers and a written plan.
- Insurance and referrals
- No referral needed. We are in-network with most major plans, and we can check yours before you come.
Same-day appointments available
What heart-related chest pain can feel like
Pain is one way your body tells you something is wrong, so pay attention to it. Chest pain from the heart can feel like:
- Tightness or pressure
- Burning
- Fullness
- Crushing
It may come with shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, a cold sweat or vomiting. The pain may spread to your back, neck, shoulder or jaw.
Common causes
Heart and blood vessels
A heart attack, or poor blood flow to the heart, causes a type of chest pain called angina. Problems with the aorta (the body’s main artery) can cause chest pain. So can pericarditis, a swelling of the thin sac around the heart.
Lungs
A collapsed lung can cause chest pain. So can pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs) and pleurisy (swelling of the lining around the lungs). A pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in a lung artery, often causes pain near the clot.
Digestion
Acid reflux or a problem with the esophagus (food pipe) can cause chest pain. Pain can also spread to the chest from other organs, such as the pancreas or gallbladder.
Muscles and bones
A bruised or cracked rib, or an injury to the chest wall, can cause chest pain. So can sore muscles from long-term pain conditions, and costochondritis, a swelling of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Dr. Ghalchi looks at your symptoms along with your overall health. Your plan may include lifestyle changes, medicine, a minimally invasive procedure, surgery, or a mix of these.
How we find the cause
Tests that may help
Dr. Ghalchi chooses tests based on your symptoms. They are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day — and he reads every study himself.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)A quick recording of your heart’s electrical activity, done at the visit.
- EchocardiogramAn ultrasound that shows your heart’s size, pumping and valves.
- Stress testShows how your heart works while you exercise.
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Questions patients ask
Chest pain: common questions
My chest pain went away. Should I still get checked?
Yes. Chest pain that comes and goes is easy to ignore, but it can be a sign of a problem. A visit helps find the cause.
How do I know if my chest pain is from my heart?
You can’t always tell by how it feels. Heart pain can feel like tightness, burning, fullness or crushing, but the lungs, digestion and sore muscles can cause chest pain too. Dr. Ghalchi uses your history, an exam and tests to find out.
Could my heartburn actually be my heart?
Sometimes. A burning feeling in the chest can come from the heart. Read about heartburn.
What tests might I need?
Most visits include an ECG. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Ghalchi may order an echocardiogram or a stress test. These are done here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book with Dr. Ghalchi directly. We are in-network with most major plans. If you’re not sure about your plan, call us and we’ll check.
Can I be seen today?
Same-day appointments available. You can book online up to 2 hours ahead, or call 212-686-0066. How same-day appointments work
Book
Get it checked. See Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time on Dr. Ghalchi’s calendar, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network, no referral needed.