CHEST DISCOMFORT DUE TO HEART DISEASE: DON’T IGNORE SUBTLE WARNING SIGNS

Dr. Ngo Chi Hieu, Cardiologist at the Department of Clinical and Interventional Cardiology, Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), explains: heart-related chest discomfort is usually characterized by a heavy, pressing, or constricting sensation in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, and often worsens with physical exertion. It may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, fatigue, or nausea.

If chest pain originates from non-cardiac causes such as digestive or respiratory issues, the symptoms will have different characteristics. Pain caused by gastrointestinal conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often presents as a burning sensation rising from the upper abdomen to behind the breastbone, typically occurring after meals or when lying down. In contrast, chest pain from respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, pleuritis, or pneumothorax is often sharp, worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or changes in position.

It’s important to note that not all patients experience typical symptoms. In elderly individuals, women, or people with diabetes, cardiac-related chest symptoms can be vague. These patients may feel only mild discomfort, fatigue, brief shortness of breath, or a non-specific sensation in the chest.

If a person experiences chest discomfort suspected to be heart-related, they should remain still, avoid physical movement, take prescribed vasodilators if available, and call emergency services immediately. Patients should never ignore the symptoms, try to endure them, or drive themselves to the hospital.

Chest discomfort can also have non-cardiac causes. A thorough cardiology evaluation—together with essential tests such as ECG, cardiac enzymes, echocardiography, or coronary angiography—is crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis and rule out serious heart disease.

Individuals with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart disease should undergo regular screenings. Early detection of warning signs is key to preventing heart attacks before they occur.

———-

Hanoi French Hospital is a trusted medical center in emergency care and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, offering:

• A team of experienced cardiologists: Dr. Ngo Chi Hieu – PhD in Cardiology, former Head of Cardiovascular ICU, Hanoi Heart Hospital; Dr. Alain Patrice Lebon – electrophysiology expert certified by the European Heart Rhythm Association; Dr. Pham Thu Thuy – Level II Specialist trained in France, with years of experience at Bach Mai Hospital;
• A 24/7 emergency team of doctors and nurses, ready for urgent interventions with modern emergency equipment
• Fully equipped with essential diagnostic tools: color Doppler echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, ECG, stress ECG, coronary angiography…
• State-of-the-art coronary angiography and DSA intervention suite, strictly adhering to infection control standards
• Comprehensive cardiovascular screening packages for early detection of potential heart risks, and sports cardiology assessment programs

In an emergency, contact the emergency hotline: 024 3574 1111

For more information or to book an appointment with an HFH cardiologist, please contact via HOTLINE 024.35771100, INBOX the Fanpage “Hanoi French Hospital” or Zalo OA zalo.me/2008009049335817955