A variety of causes can cause chest pain, and people of any age can experience it.There can be pain in the chest from anxiety or panic attacks.Problems with your lungs or arteries can be indicated by chest pain.By controlling and slowing your breathing, you can stop chest pain.For more serious concerns, such as heart attacks, visit your doctor immediately.
Step 1: Slow down your breathing.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience chest pain.This can cause chest pain that is close to the heart.Slow down your breathing and don't gulp your breaths to reduce the pain.Make each breath last several seconds by taking moderate breaths.You are not having a heart attack if the pain you are feeling is sharp and you know where it is.The pain from a heart attack can't be pinpointed.
Step 2: Someone can give reassurance from a friend or family member.
If they use a soft, relaxed tone, it will help raise the carbon dioxide level in your blood.People experience hyperventilation when they go through a panic attack.Hyperventilation causes blood vessels in your chest to contract.If you experience anxiety or panic attacks, you should see a doctor or therapist.Therapy and medication can help reduce anxiety and chest pain.
Step 3: Do pursed lip breathing.
If you blow out a candle, exhale slowly through your lips.When you feel calm, do this.The level of carbon dioxide in your blood is raised when you breathe this way.It is not recommended to breathe into a paper bag.
Step 4: If you experience chest pain, see your doctor.
Your doctor will be able to evaluate you for other lung problems that can cause chest pain.They include a blood clot in a lung and high blood pressure.A collapsed lung is a sign of continued chest pain.
Step 5: Ask your doctor to check you out.
If you have no anxiety but experience chest pain, you may have a condition called pleurisy, in which your lungs become irritated and rub together.This can be treated with medication.The pain will become worse if you have pleurisy, since you will be breathing more heavily.
Step 6: If you have long-term chest pain, see your doctor.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have chest pain that lasts for days at a time.It's not likely to be a sign of a heart attack, but it could indicate other serious conditions.Ask your doctor to evaluate your symptoms.Health problems in your lungs, aorta, and other internal organs can be indicated by long-term chest pain.Your doctor will be able to give you medication to reduce your heart pain once they have given you a diagnosis.
Step 7: Ask your doctor if you have angina.
Angina is a medical term for chest pain caused by thick plaque on the walls of your arteries.The major arteries carry blood to your heart.Ask your doctor about angina if you experience frequent but moderate chest pain.Your doctor can prescribe medication for the condition that causes angina.It can be hard to tell if the pain is caused by a heart attack or stable angina.Stable angina is less likely to cause chest pain than a heart attack.Stable angina pain tends to build up slowly and be less severe than the pain from a heart attack.If you think you have angina, your doctor can tell you if it's stable or not.More severe pain can be caused by unstable angina.
Step 8: If you have suffered a chest injury, contact your doctor.
If you have recently fallen or injured your chest, you may have fractured or broken a rib.If your ribs are damaged, a doctor will be able to perform an x-ray.
Step 9: If you experience bone or muscle pain, ask about chronic conditions.
If the muscles or bones in your chest are throbbing frequently, it's a good idea to see your doctor.If you have chronic pain in your chest, you may have Fibromyalgia.Costochondritis is a condition that can cause chronic chest pain.
Step 10: Know the symptoms of a heart attack.
A blood clot can block the flow of blood in a heart attack.They can be caused by a narrowing of the arteries.Pay attention to the pain in your chest.Pain from a heart attack can be spread and can't be pinpointed.Shortness of breath and sweating are signs of a heart attack.Vomiting or nausea.A fast pulse and lightheadedness.There is pain in the chest.
Step 11: Call the emergency number.
Heart attacks should be dealt with immediately.Don't have a friend or family member drive you to the emergency room.If your condition gets worse, call the emergency number.
Step 12: If you have signs of a heart attack, take 1 aspirin.
While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, chew and swallow a single adult aspirin.Aspirin reduces chest pain.If you are allergic to aspirin, don't take it.If your doctor prescribed nitroglycerin for this purpose, you should take it.