Chest Pain Center

What is chest pain?

Chest pain is a rather common chief complaint for many patients. Some individuals describe it as a severe pain while others a slight discomfort. It can be described as sharp, dull, or pressure. It can be constant, transient, or migratory. Some people experience indigestion, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sweating, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms. All can be the warning signs of true cardiac illness and should be taken seriously. Different people can and will interpret similar symptoms in a variety of ways so it is important to thoroughly evaluate all symptoms with a comprehensive approach.

Just as the nature of chest pain is rather diverse, so are the causes. While cardiac causes account for only roughly a third of cases, it is important to realize that pain can arise for other reasons that could represent equally concerning, potentially life threatening conditions. Some of the other equally concerning cases may include a blood clot or infection in the lung, pancreatic inflammation, vascular irregularities, or gastrointestinal inflammation or bleeding. Regardless of the cause, the clinical need for a rapid, reliable, and accurate diagnostic evaluation to rule out potentially life threatening causes of chest pain is essential.

Who should consider visiting the Chest Pain Center?

Those individuals who have experienced symptoms in the chest, neck, shoulder, or back should consider visiting the Chest Pain Center. In particular, this includes those who: Have had dizziness, weakness, or difficulty breathing/ Possess a family or personal history of heart disease/ Suffer from high blood pressure or high cholesterol/ Have smoked or continue to smoke/ Are overweight or not in good physical shape/ Are subjected to an ongoing stressful professional or personal lifestyle.

What’s the difference between the Chest Pain Center and other outpatient clinical settings?

In contrast to other outpatient settings, the CPC’s first priority is to rule out the presence of a life threatening condition such as heart attack, blood clot in the lung, or spontaneous lung deflation. We are singularly focused and experienced in dealing with the causes and manifestations of the various illnesses that lead to chest pain. Our team will work with you to help you understand the cause and treatment of your pain. Additionally, we will work with you to put together a personal plan for decreasing your risk for heart disease.

What should I expect if I visit the Chest Pain Center?

First and foremost, we are focused on assuring your safety, health, and comfort. If clinically indicated, patients will be enrolled into an efficient, rapid, extended observation protocol consisting of: Repeat cardiac enzyme laboratory evaluation/ Ongoing electrocardiographic monitoring/ Exercise stress testing/ Cardiology specialist consultation.

Along the way, our highly trained multi-disciplinary staff will also simultaneously evaluate patients for other potential causes of chest pain as part of our comprehensive approach. Our staff’s professional expertise and experience is matched only by our dedication to providing compassionate care. Our team will assure every patient fully understands their medical condition as well as the desired treatment course. At the Chest Pain Center, we are dedicated to addressing all factors that influence your health, from the emotional impact illness may have on your life to lifestyle modification and smoking cessation. For our patients, no detail is too small.

Who is the Chest Pain Center Team?

The CPC team is comprised of highly trained international and domestic physicians working in conjunction with our cardiologists. Our nursing and ancillary staff have years of experience serving in hospitals and medical clinics dedicated to maintaining an international standard of care. We are confident that our dedication to providing superior, efficient care means your visit with us at the Chest Pain Center will be of the highest caliber.