Chest Pain

Most people experience chest pain occasionally, but seeking treatment is essential if your symptoms occur during exercise or alongside other symptoms like difficulty breathing. At his eponymous practice in Mesquite and Greenville, Texas, experienced cardiologist Sandeep Singh, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating chest pain. After an exam and diagnostic testing, Dr. Singh can identify the underlying cause and make personalized treatment recommendations. Call the practice of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, today to schedule an appointment or book your visit online. 

Do I need to visit the emergency room for chest pain?

Most cases of chest pain aren’t serious, but if you have chest pain that occurs alongside other symptoms, like nausea, trouble breathing, or feeling like your chest is being crushed, you may be having a heart attack. This is a medical emergency; you should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

Fortunately, most causes of chest pain aren't life-threatening. In fact, many have nothing to do with your heart at all. 

One of the most common types of chest pain is angina. This is a symptom rather than a condition. It occurs when something affects the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle.

How does a cardiologist diagnose chest pain?

Dr. Singh diagnoses chest pain using a patient-centered, personalized approach. 

First, he has to determine whether your symptoms are due to an emergency like a heart attack. To do that, he orders an electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records your heart’s electrical activity and helps diagnose problems like an abnormally fast or abnormally slow heart rate.

Other diagnostic tests you might need include:

• Multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan
• Chest X-ray
• Nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI)
• Cardiac stress test
• Contrast and bubble-enhanced echocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Doppler and color flow 3D echocardiography
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Sometimes, Dr. Singh recommends an angiogram. Dr. Singh uses coronary catheterization during this procedure to access your heart via one of your arteries.

He injects a contrast dye and then uses moving X-ray technology called fluoroscopy to see how well your heart works.

How does a cardiologist treat chest pain?

Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure you receive the right treatment for your chest pain. If the cause is heart-related, medications can often help reduce pain and other symptoms. Some of the most common medications that Dr. Singh prescribes include:

• Nitrates
• Diuretics
• Antiarrhythmics
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Digitalis
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Calcium channel blockers
• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Anticoagulants, like warfarin
• Thrombolytic clot-busting drugs

You might need to undergo a procedure to widen the blood vessels if you have narrowed or blocked arteries. Dr. Singh regularly performs advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedures like angioplasty to help open up the arteries. 

To find the cause of your chest pain and ensure you receive optimal care, call the practice of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, or request an appointment online.