by David Schiman, Acupuncturist
Trying to understand the cause of chest symptoms can be a frustrating undertaking. Trying to understand if it is a heart attack, a panic attack, ulcers, ribs, or other health concerns can be very less straight forward than we want. Here are some tips to follow when trying to figure it out:
Here are some of the main symptoms people experience when having a heart attack (according to the NIH):
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Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. |
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Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. |
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Shortness of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort. |
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Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness. |
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms call 911 or see you doctor as soon as possible. Don’t wait to get help!
Of course it is obvious that you will call 911 in case of a heart attack, but when taken during the first critical moments of a heart attack, aspirin thins the blood and shrinks clots, which will help lessen the damage of a heart attack.
Cardiologists recommend that in an emergency you CHEW one 325 milligram adult aspirin tablet and wash it down with water. (even if you don’t have water, still chew the aspirin tablet)
It’s a GOOD idea to stow small, just in-case bottles of aspirin in glove compartments, golf bags, desk drawers, purses, brief cases, etc.
Heart attack or panic attack or?
It’s hard to know if the symptoms a patient experiences are signs of a serious problem or if they are responding to a high state of stress that is causing a psycosomatic response. Or, if there are other issues causing the symptoms.
Often, sophisticated tests like an EKG, Cardiograms, Stress Tests, X-rays, Upper Endoscopy, etc. are required to rule out actual heart problems or ulcers or broken ribs.
But, what do you do if you find out it’s not your heart after all?
Once you rule out any serious cardiac problems, then you can begin to look for other causes of chest pain. Sometimes it is caused by rib issues (breaks, costochondritis), Acid Reflux, and the big one, emotional causes including anxiety and panic attacks.
Don’t expect your cardiologist to suggest that you may be experiencing a panic disorder or emotional issues. It’s not in their scope of expertise and they face serious liability if they are wrong and you end up having a heart issue.
You’ll need to see a good psychologist or therapist for that kind of diagnosis. But, in my experience as a practitioner, friend, and, yes, even as a patient, I have seen first hand this dynamic of interaction with cardiologists and therapists. I had a friend who has told by a nurse with a Russian sounding accent, “I’m not supposed to tell you this, but maybe you are having panic attacks.” This was after two trips being rushed to the ER and seeing various doctors and cardiologists who couldn’t find anything “wrong” with him!
Surprisingly, many of the symptoms of heart attacks are the exact same symptoms as panic attacks. That’s not to say you shouldn’t get checked out ASAP by a qualified doctor, but just know that the answer may be stress and emotional issues.
If you are experiencing any cardiac symptoms, even if you aren’t really sure, it’s wise to see your doctor and get checked out. Don’t waste time or try to be “tough”…. just go get checked out! After that, acupuncture can be a great adjunct therapy along with meditation, exercise, and talk therapy, to get your emotions, stress levels, and symptoms under control. And don’t forget about good nutrition and supplements like fish oils and garlic to help you live a long and healthy life!