Chest pain resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
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==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
===Life-Threatening Causes=== | ===Life-Threatening Causes=== | ||
life-threatening causes are conditions which result in immediate death or disability if left untreated. | |||
* [[Aortic dissection]] | * [[Aortic dissection]] | ||
* [[Myocardial infarction]] | * [[Myocardial infarction]] |
Revision as of 18:44, 19 July 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Rim Halaby
Definition
Chest pain is discomfort or pain that is felt anywhere along the front of the body between the neck and the upper abdomen.
Causes
Life-Threatening Causes
life-threatening causes are conditions which result in immediate death or disability if left untreated.
- Aortic dissection
- Myocardial infarction
- Pericardial tamponade
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary embolism
- Unstable angina
Common Causes
- Biliary colic
- Costochondritis
- Cocaine induced coronary vasospasm
- Esophageal spasm
- GERD
- Myocardial infarction
- Panic attacks
- Pneumonia
- Stable angina
Management
Please find below an algorithm that summarizes the approach to chest pain.
Check vital signs Stabilize the patient Order an EKG Concise history and physical exam | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assess EKG | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EKG consistent with ACS | EKG not consistent with ACS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Order a CXR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STEMI Revascularization | NSTEMI Risk stratification | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pneumothorax | Aortic dissection | No significant findings on CXR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Control BP Obtain a CT scan Emergent surgery consult | Assess the pretest probability for pulmonary embolism | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||