Chest pain overview: Difference between revisions
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==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
There are many organ systems, that when affected, can lead to the symptoms of chest pain. The most common organs involved are the [[heart]], [[lungs]], and the [[digestive system]]. [[Psychiatric disorders]], can also lead to the perception of chest pain. The most important facet of diagnosis is distinguishing the life-threatening causes of chest pain, to the more benign causes. | There are many organ systems, that when affected, can lead to the symptoms of chest pain. The most common organs involved are the [[heart]], [[lungs]], and the [[digestive system]]. [[Psychiatric disorders]], can also lead to the perception of chest pain. The most important facet of diagnosis is distinguishing the life-threatening causes of chest pain, to the more benign causes. | ||
==Differential Diagnosis== | |||
There are several life-threatening causes of chest pain which need to be evaluated for first, which include; [[myocardial infarction]], [[aortic dissection]], [[esophageal rupture]], [[pulmonary embolism]], and [[tension pneumothorax]]. The other possible causes of chest pain can be evaluated for by carefully assessing the nature of the pain, and obtaining a thorough patient history. | |||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Revision as of 20:26, 25 February 2013
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Chest pain overview On the Web |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Causes
There are many organ systems, that when affected, can lead to the symptoms of chest pain. The most common organs involved are the heart, lungs, and the digestive system. Psychiatric disorders, can also lead to the perception of chest pain. The most important facet of diagnosis is distinguishing the life-threatening causes of chest pain, to the more benign causes.
Differential Diagnosis
There are several life-threatening causes of chest pain which need to be evaluated for first, which include; myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, esophageal rupture, pulmonary embolism, and tension pneumothorax. The other possible causes of chest pain can be evaluated for by carefully assessing the nature of the pain, and obtaining a thorough patient history.
Treatment
Surgery
Surgery may be indicated in the setting of an MI (angioplasty) or in an aortic dissection.