Also Read
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Suffering from chest pain? Do not take it lightly for indigestion or gas pain. Better get an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood test done to rule out the worst and avoid hospitalisation. According to a study, clinical judgement, combined with an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood test on hospital arrival is effective in reducing unnecessary hospital admissions for chest pain. Chest pain is the most common reason for emergency hospital admission.
In the latest research, Richard Body from Manchester Royal Infirmary hospital, assessed the diagnostic accuracy of emergency doctors' clinical judgment for acute coronary syndromes - both alone and in combination with tests available on arrival like ECG and a blood test which detects a protein called troponin. This data was then compared with patients' outcomes, including heart attack or the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events within 30 days. The results showed that for patients who are suspected to have an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), clinical judgement cannot be relied upon by itself to rule out or rule in that diagnosis.
However, when combined with an ECG and troponin test, clinical judgement appeared to be an effective tool and the results suggest that at least 25 percent of patient admissions could have been avoided. The study suggested that this was the case regardless of whether the clinician was a consultant or junior doctor. 'If initial tests are normal and the doctor thinks that the diagnosis of a heart attack is unlikely, it may be perfectly safe to reassure patients that they do not have a heart attack,' said Rick Body, honorary lecturer in cardiovascular medicine at University of Manchester.
Also Read
Also Read
Also Read
The findings were published in the Emergency Medicine Journal.
Here are some causes of chest pain you should be aware about:
1. Heart disease: Chest pain due to cardiac origin is medically called angina. A person can suffer from angina for a short while or for a long period of time (15 minutes) depending on the underlying heart disease. Usually, this type of chest pain (especially in heart attack) is associated with pain in the limbs and shoulder region. The pain may initiate or worsen with exertion. Chest pain can occur in several conditions related to heart including heart attack, coronary heart disease, inflammation of the heart tissue and aortic anuerysm. You are likely to get chest pain due to cardiac origin if:
2. Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs can also cause chest pain. This condition is called pulmonary hypertension.
3. Heart burn and acidity: Studies mention that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common cause for visits to heart care units due to chest pain. Unlike cardiac chest pain, chest pain due to GERD is not related to exertion or physical activity.
4. Lung disorders: Pulmonary embolism is a common lung disorder where a blood clot develops in a lung artery blocking the flow of blood to the lung tissue. Other disorders like inflammation of the lung tissue, collapsed lungs can also cause chest pain. This kind of chest pain is likely to be associated with breathlessness and respiratory problems. Read more about 10 causes of chest pain you should know
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
You may also like to read:
For more articles on chest pain and heart disease, check out our chest pain and heart disease section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.