1. Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Slideshow Pictures
2. Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection
3. Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Heart Attack Symptoms

Typical heart attack pain occurs in the mid to left side of the chest and may also extend to the left shoulder, the left arm, the jaw, the stomach, or the back.

• Other associated symptoms are shortness of breath, increased sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
• Symptoms vary considerably from person to person.
• Women may experience symptoms of heart attack similar to men (chest pain), but they also may be more atypical. Atypical symptoms include:
• neck,
• jaw,
• shoulder,
• upper back
• abdominal discomfort,
• shortness of breath,
• nausea or vomiting,
• abdominal pain,
• heartburn,
• sweatiness,
• lightheadedness,
• dizziness, or
• unexplained fatigue.

Angina Symptoms

Angina is similar to heart attack pain but occurs with physical exertion or exercise and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

• Angina becomes life threatening when pain occurs at rest, has increased in frequency or intensity, or is not relieved with at least three nitroglycerin tablets taken five minutes apart.
• This is considered to be unstable angina, which may be a warning sign of an impending heart attack.

Aortic Dissection Symptoms

The chest pain associated with aortic dissection occurs suddenly and is described as "ripping" or "tearing."

• The pain may radiate to the back or between the shoulder blades.
• Because the aorta supplies blood to the entire body, symptoms may also include:
  
  • angina-type pain,
  • shortness of breath,
  • fainting,
  • abdominal pain, or
  • symptoms of stroke.

Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolus include:

• the sudden onset of shortness of breath,
• rapid breathing, and
• sharp pain in the mid chest, which increases with deep breaths.

Pneumothorax Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumothorax include:

• the sudden onset of shortness of breath,
• sharp chest pain,
• rapid heart rate,
• dizziness,
• lightheadedness, or
• faintness.

Must Read Articles Related to Chest Pain

Angina Pectoris Angina pectoris is a term to describe chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood. There are two types of angina, stable (the most common)...learn more >>

Aortic Aneurysm An aortic aneuyrsm is a medical emergency. Abnormal enlargement or buldging of the aorta becomes an aortic aneurysm when this area becoms weakened. Common cause...learn more >>

Collapsed Lung A collapsed lung or pneumothorax is a condition in which the space between the wall of the chest cavity, the as a result all or a portion of the lung collapses....learn more >>

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