Chest Pain |
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DESCRIPTION
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Chest pain can result from diseases in many different parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, stomach, and bowel. The muscles and bones of the chest wall may be involved. Anxiety, rapid breathing, and gas also can produce chest pain. The cause can be very dangerous, or no danger at all.
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SYMPTOMS
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Any kind of pain or discomfort (such as burning or pressure) felt in the chest.
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CARE
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Because chest pain can be caused by something serious, your doctor will usually first do tests to check for life-threatening problems. You will have a complete exam, and will probably have to give a sample of your blood. You will have an electrocardiogram (e-LEK-tro-CAR-dee-o-gram) to check your heart. A chest x-ray may also be done. You may need other tests, x-rays, or scans if a cause cannot be found. You may be given different medicines to see if they help relieve the pain. Other care will depend on what your doctor decides is causing the pain.
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COMPLICATIONS
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s Without treatment, the cause of your chest pain may get worse, and possibly become life-threatening.
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