Chest Pain Specialist

You may develop chest pain from any number of causes. However, it’s not a symptom you should overlook. At Heart, Artery, and Vein Center in Fresno and Madera, California, board-certified cardiovascular disease physician Sanjay Srivatsa, MD, and the team perform comprehensive evaluations to find the underlying cause of chest pain and provide personalized care. To schedule a chest pain consultation, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

What is chest pain?

Chest pain includes any discomfort you feel in your chest, ranging from mild to severe. The pain may last a few minutes or several hours. 

What causes chest pain?

You can develop chest pain from numerous causes, some more serious than others. Common causes of chest pain include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Heartburn
• Ulcers
• Chest muscle strain
• Broken ribs
• Gallstones
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Pneumonia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

However, because chest pain is a symptom of life-threatening conditions like a heart attack, it’s not a symptom you should ignore. If you have unexplained chest pain or think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER). 

If you experience chest pain during physical activity, you may have angina. This type of chest pain occurs when your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood and is a common symptom of CAD.

What types of tests do I need for chest pain?

Heart, Artery, and Vein Center is a state-of-the-art cardiovascular disease practice. The team takes a personalized approach to care and determines what tests you need after a comprehensive medical history review and physical exam.

Testing for chest pain might include:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An EKG is a quick, painless test that measures your heart’s electrical activity. The team may perform this test to look for signs of a heart attack.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound imaging test that allows your cardiovascular disease specialist to see the structure and function of your heart and look for signs of disease.

Stress test

A stress test evaluates how your heart responds when pumping harder and faster.   

Cardiac catheterization

A cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive test that looks for blockages in your coronary arteries, which are the main arteries in your heart.

What are the treatments for chest pain?

Treatment for your chest pain depends on the cause. The team at Heart, Artery, and Vein Center develops customized treatment plans that benefit your whole health. 

Chest pain treatment might include:

• Nutrition therapy
• Exercise program
• Stress management
• Weight management
• Artery relaxers (nitroglycerin)
• Blood thinners
• Acid-suppressing medications (for heartburn)
• Antidepressants

For CAD, the team may recommend coronary angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that opens up the arteries in your heart to improve blood flow.

To schedule a comprehensive chest pain evaluation, call Heart, Artery, and Vein Center or book an appointment online today.