Dallas Emergency Care for Chest Pain

What’s Causing My Chest Pain?

Chest pain is a serious symptom that demands immediate medical evaluation, as it can indicate a wide range of conditions, from   minor issues to life-threatening emergencies. While some causes, such as muscle strain, are relatively benign, others—like myocardial infarction, pulmonary  embolism, myocarditis, or endocarditis—require urgent intervention.

At Advance ER, we are equipped to provide comprehensive, around-the-clock emergency care for chest pain. Our facility offers:

• 24/7 Access to Board-Certified Emergency Physicians – Ensuring expert evaluation at any time.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools – Including laboratory testing, imaging, and cardiac monitoring for precise diagnosis.
• No Wait Times – Allowing you to receive immediate attention upon arrival.
• Life-Saving Treatments – Capable of addressing critical conditions promptly and effectively.

If you or a loved one experiences chest pain, seek care without delay. Advance ER is committed to delivering exceptional emergency care to safeguard your health.

Call (214) 494-8222 or contact the professionals online in the text box below at Advance ER today to learn about our Dallas emergency care for chest pain.

What Is Chest Pain?
Chest pain is any discomfort or pain that you feel in the chest area. It can range from sharp or stabbing pain to a dull ache. While not all chest pain is life-threatening, some causes can be serious. Any chest pain needs emergent evaulation. Below are some examples of different types of chest pain.

Types of chest pain:

• Sharp or Stabbing Pain: May feel like a knife-like sensation in a specific spot. 
  Possible causes: Muscle strain, pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), or nerve irritation.
• Pressure or Tightness: A crushing, heavy feeling as though something is sitting on your chest.
  Possible causes: Heart attack (myocardial infarction), angina (reduced blood flow to the heart).
• Burning Sensation: A burning pain that may also affect the throat or stomach area.
  Possible causes: Acid reflux or heartburn.
• Radiating Pain: Pain that spreads to other areas like the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
  Possible causes: Heart-related issues, such as a heart attack or aortic dissection.
• Pain with Breathing or Movement: Pain that worsens when you breathe in or move.
  Possible causes: Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), rib injury, or pleurisy.

Not all chest pain is an emergency. If your pain gets worse or better when you move a certain way and/or there are no other symptoms, then you are probably not dealing with an emergency.

Anxiety attacks can also mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. If you are under the age of 40 and have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, this could be the source of your pain. However, taking chances can be dangerous. If you believe you are having a heart attack, you need to contact 911 or go to your local ER.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services

At Advance ER, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services to identify and treat a wide range of medical conditions. Our advanced imaging technologies provide detailed images of the body's internal structures, allowing our experienced medical team to make informed decisions about your care.

Our imaging services include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Fluoroscopy

When To Come To The Emergency Room

You should visit the emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms along with chest pain:

• Sudden, severe chest pain that doesn’t go away
• Pain that spreads to the arms, back, neck, or jaw
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating, especially if it feels unusual or excessive
• A sense of impending doom or fear that something is seriously wrong.

At Advance ER, we prioritize these symptoms and will assess and treat you without delay. Whether you are experiencing chest pain, abdominal pain, or any other medical concern, and aren't sure if it is serious-- it's always better to be safe than sorry.  At Advance ER, we're ready to provide you with immediate, expert care with board-certified emergency care physicians. Our diagnostic imaging services can provide valuable insights into your health and help guide your treatment plan. Whether it's something minor or a life-threatening emergency, we'll ensure you get the help you need - quickly and compassionately. Trust Advance ER for comprehensive, high-quality emergency care in Dallas.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Emergency Care for Chest Pain in Dallas

What are some possible causes of chest pain?

Chest pain has many possible causes, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Here are some common ones: 

    1.    Heart-Related Causes:

• Heart attack
• Angina
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
• Aortic dissection (tear in the aorta)

    2.    Lung-Related Causes:

• Pulmonary embolism
• Pneumonia
• Pleurisy
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

    3.    Digestive Causes:

• Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones
• Hiatal hernia

    4.    Musculoskeletal Causes:

• Muscle strain or injury
• Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone)

    5.    Other Causes:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Shingles (if it affects the chest area)
• Any patients that have ADD or ADHD and are on medications for this, are are risk for vasospasm coronary arteries, which could leads to heart attack.

What can I expect at Advance ER?

If you come to Advance ER with chest pain, here’s what we’ll do to ensure you receive the best possible care:

    1.    Immediate Evaluation: You’ll be seen by a board-certified emergency physician immediately, with no wait time.

    2.    Diagnostics: Electrocardiogram (EKG)- Measures the electrical activity of your heart to detect heart problems. Blood Tests-Check for markers of heart damage or infection. Chest X-Ray- Looks for issues with your lungs, ribs, or heart. CT Scan- Provides detailed images of your chest to identify life-threatening conditions like a pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection. Ultrasound- May be used to check for gallbladder or heart-related issues.

    3.    Treatment: Depending on the cause, treatment may include, Medications- For pain relief, blood pressure, or blood thinning. Oxygen Therapy- If breathing is difficult. Interventions-Such as cardiac catheterization for blocked arteries. We’ll stabilize your condition and ensure you receive the appropriate follow-up care if needed.

Why choose Advance ER for chest pain?

• 24/7 Availability: We’re always open, no matter the time or day.
• No Wait Time: You’ll be seen immediately by a board-certified physician.
• Advanced Diagnostics: On-site lab and imaging for quick and accurate results.
• Compassionate Care: We know chest pain can be scary, and we’re here to guide you through every step.

What should I do if I'm experiencing chest pain while alone?

• Call 911 immediately. Even if you're unsure of the cause, it's crucial to seek professional medical help.
• Activate your medical alert system (if you have one).
• Try to rest comfortably and loosen any tight clothing.
• Chew on an aspirin (unless contraindicated by your doctor).

What are some lifestyle changes I can make to reduce my risk of chest pain?

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage stress.
• Limit alcohol consumption.

Can anxiety cause chest pain?

Yes, anxiety can indeed cause chest pain. When someone experiences anxiety, their body releases stress hormones, which can lead to rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and even chest tightness or pain.

What is the most common cause of chest pain?

Heart disease, specifically coronary artery disease, is the most common cause of chest pain.

Advance ER is the local, 24-hour resource for emergency chest pain care in Dallas. Contact us to learn more about our Dallas emergency care services.