>>Overview
Feeling of pain /discomfort between neck and abdomen
Chest pain raises fear of heart attack
Any tissue or organ in chest can cause pain
'Angina' is heart- related chest pain
>>Causes
Some mild, others life threatening
Problems related to the heart
Asthma
Pneumonia
Inflammation in the lung
Inflammation / strain of rib muscle
Anxiety
Indigestion / ulcers in stomach
Gall bladder stones
Shingles
Stress
>>Symptoms
Pain or pressure in chest area
May be accompanied by
a, Heartburn,
b, Vomiting,
c, Dizziness
d, Shortness of breath
e, Fever
>> Treatment
If you have asthma or angina take your regular medications
Medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help
Consult a doctor if
a, Pain /fever /cough persists
b, Radiating pain occurs
c, Angina occurs at rest
d, The cough produces yellow -green phlegm
e, Pressure / tightness occurs
f, Nausea
g, Dizziness
h, Shortness of breath
i, Sweating
Hospitalization may be essential
Tests like ECG, may have to be taken
>> Prevention
Maintain normal weight
Exercise regularly for 30 - 40 minutes
Check and control BP, diabetes, cholesterol
Avoid smoking
Control stress
Eat low fat balanced diet
Get health check ups done regularly
