July 11, 2010
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL ADVISER
Question: I had some sharp pains in my chest last week. I’m OK now, but it got me wondering how to tell if I’m really having a heart attack.
Answer: This is a question that millions of people — and their doctors — face each year. Although people often associate chest pain with a heart attack, there are dozens of other conditions that can also cause pain in the chest.
More than 6 million Americans with chest pain were seen in hospital emergency departments in 2009. Only 20% were having a heart attack or an episode of unstable angina, a warning sign that a heart attack may happen soon. The majority of these patients had a condition unrelated to the heart or arteries.
Certain types of chest pain are more likely to signal a heart attack than others. Strong pressure, tightness or burning in the center of the chest is particularly worrisome. The gradual onset of pain over the course of a few minutes and pain that appears during or after physical exertion or emotional stress are also red flags.
On the other hand, sharp or stabbing pain lasting only a few seconds, or pain confined to one small spot is less likely to be a heart attack. (More)
