Chest Pain
Objectives: Upon completion of this course the participant will
be able to identify and discuss the various forms of chest pain, their
potential causes, and treatments patients should seek.
Overview
Those having severe pain, crushing, squeezing, or pressure in
your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or if the pain moves into
your neck, left shoulder, arm, or jaw, go immediately to a hospital
emergency department.
Chest pain is one of the most frightening symptoms you can have. It
is sometimes difficult even for a doctor or other medical professional
to tell what is causing chest pain and whether it is life threatening.
- Any part of the chest can cause pain in the chest, including the
heart, lungs, esophagus, muscle, bone, and skin.
- Because of the complex nerve distribution in the body, chest
pain may come from another part of the body.
- The stomach or other organs in the belly (abdomen), for example,
can cause chest pain.
Potentially life-threatening causes of chest pain
- Heart attack (also known as an acute myocardial infarction, or
MI): A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the arteries that
supply the heart (coronary arteries) becomes blocked. With decreased
blood flow, the muscle of the heart does not receive enough oxygen.
This causes damage and deterioration of the heart muscle.
- Angina: Angina is chest pain related to an imbalance between the
oxygen demand of the heart and the amount of oxygen delivered via
the blood. It is caused by blockage or narrowing of the blood
vessels that supply blood to the heart. Angina is different from a
heart attack in that the arteries are not completely blocked. Also,
angina causes little or no permanent damage to the heart. Stable
angina occurs while exercising and goes away with rest. Unstable
angina is not relieved by rest or actually occurs at rest.
- Aortic dissection: The aorta is the main artery that supplies
blood to the vital organs of the body, such as the brain, heart,
kidneys, lungs, and intestines. Dissection means a tear in the inner
lining of the aorta. This can cause massive internal bleeding and
interrupt blood flow to the vital organs.
- Pulmonary embolus: A pulmonary embolus is a blood clot in one of
the major blood vessels that supplies the lungs. It is a potentially
life-threatening cause of chest pain but is not associated with the
heart.
- Spontaneous pneumothorax: This condition occurs when air enters
the saclike space between the chest wall and the lung tissue.
Normally, negative pressure in the chest cavity allows the lungs to
expand. When a spontaneous pneumothorax occurs, air enters the chest
cavity. When the pressure balance is lost, the lung is unable to
reexpand. This is often called a collapsed lung.
- Perforated viscus: Perforated viscus is a hole or teat in the
wall of any area of the gastrointestinal tract. This allows air to
enter the abdominal cavity. Air in the abdominal cavity irritates
the diaphragm, which can cause chest pain.
- Cocaine-induced chest pain: Cocaine causes the blood vessels in
the body to constrict. This can decrease blood flow to the heart,
which causes chest pain. Cocaine also accelerates the progression of
atherosclerosis, which is a risk factor for a heart attack. Although
cocaine can cause these changes in the body, the possibility of a
heart attack cannot be ruled out without proper medical evaluation.
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department for medical
attention.
Causes of chest pain that are not life threatening include the
following:
- Acute pericarditis: This is an inflammation of the pericardium,
which is the sac that covers the heart.
- Mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is an abnormality
of one of the heart valves in which the "leaves" of the valve bulge
into the heart chamber during contraction. When this occurs, a small
amount of blood flows backward in the heart.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue. Chest
pain occurs because of inflammation to the lining of the lungs.
- Disorders of the esophagus: Chest pain from esophageal disorders
can be alarming symptom because it often mimics chest pain from a
heart attack.
- Acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or
GERD) occurs when acidic digestive juices flow backward from the
stomach into the esophagus. The resulting heartburn is sometimes
experienced as chest pain.
- Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus.
- Esophageal spasm is defined as excessive, intensified, or
uncoordinated contractions of the smooth muscle of the
esophagus.
- Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage
between the ribs. Pain is typically located in the mid chest, with
intermittently dull and sharp pain that may be increased with deep
breaths, movement, and deep touch.
- Herpes zoster: Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a
reactivation of chickenpox. With shingles you get a rash, usually
only on one small part of your body. The pain, which is often very
severe, usually is confined to the area of the rash. The pain may
precede the rash by 4-7 days. Risk factors include any condition in
which the immune system is compromised, such as advanced age, HIV,
or cancer. Herpes zoster is highly contagious, especially for the 5
days before and the 5 days after the appearance of the rash.
Causes
A heart attack is caused by coronary heart disease, or coronary
artery disease. Heart disease may be caused by cholesterol buildup in
the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis), blood clots, or spasm of the
vessels that supply blood to the heart.
- Risk factors for a heart attack are high blood pressure,
diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, family history of heart attacks
at young ages (younger than 60 years), one or more previous heart
attacks, male gender, and obesity.
- Postmenopausal women are at higher risk than premenopausal
women. This is thought to be due to loss of the protective effects
of the hormone estrogen at menopause. It has been treated by hormone
supplements (hormone replacement therapy, or HRT). Recently research
findings have changed our thinking on HRT; long-term HRT is no
longer recommended for most women.
- Use of cocaine and similar stimulants is a risk factor for heart
attack.
Angina may be caused by spasm, narrowing, or partial blockage of an
artery that supplies blood to the heart.
- The most common cause is coronary heart disease, in which a
blood clot or buildup of fatty material inside the blood vessel
(atherosclerosis) reduces blood flow but does not completely block
the blood vessel.
- Angina can be triggered by exercise or physical exertion, by
emotional stress, or by certain heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
that cause the heart to beat very fast.
Aortic dissection may be caused by conditions that damage the
innermost lining of the aorta.
- These include uncontrolled high blood pressure,
connective-tissue diseases, cocaine use, advanced age, pregnancy,
congenital heart disease, and cardiac catheterization (a medical
procedure).
- Men are at higher risk than women.
- A similar condition is aortic aneurysm. This is an enlargement
of the aorta that can rupture, causing pain and bleeding. Aneurysms
can occur in the aorta in the chest or the abdomen.
Risk factors for pulmonary embolus include sedentary lifestyle or
obesity, prolonged immobility, fracture of a long bone of the legs,
pregnancy, cancer, history or family history of blood clots, irregular
heartbeat (arrhythmias), heart attack, or congestive heart failure.
Women who use birth control pills and smoke cigarettes are at higher
risk than women who have only one or neither of these risk factors.
Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when the pressure balance between the
sac that contains the lung and the outside atmosphere is disrupted.
- Injury to the chest that pierces through to the lung sac is the
most common cause of this condition.
- This can be caused by trauma, as in a car wreck or bad fall, by
a gunshot wound or stabbing, or in surgery.
- Other risk factors include AIDS-related pneumonia, emphysema,
severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and marijuana and crack
cocaine use.
The viscus may be perforated by direct or indirect injury. Risk
factors not related to trauma are untreated ulcers, prolonged or
forceful vomiting, swallowing a foreign body, cancer, appendicitis,
long-term steroid use, infection of the gallbladder, gallstones, and
AIDS.
Pericarditis can be caused by viral infection, bacterial infection,
cancer, connective-tissue diseases, certain medications, radiation
treatment, and chronic renal failure.
- One life-threatening complication of pericarditis is cardiac
tamponade.
- Cardiac tamponade is an accumulation of fluid around the heart.
- This prevents the heart from effectively pumping blood to the
body.
- Symptoms of cardiac tamponade include sudden onset of shortness
of breath, fainting, and chest pain.
Mitral valve prolapse is thought to be an inherited birth disorder
and affects as much as 10 percent of the population, mostly women.
People with connective-tissue diseases and skeletal abnormalities (such
as severe curvature or straightening of the spine or a concave chest)
are at increased risk for this disorder.
Pneumonia may be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections of
the lungs.
Chest pain originating from the esophagus may have several causes.
- Acid reflux (GERD) may be caused by any factors that decrease
the pressure on the lower part of the esophagus, decrease movement
of the esophagus, or prolong emptying of the stomach. This condition
may be brought on by consumption of high-fat foods, nicotine use,
alcohol use, caffeine, pregnancy, certain medications (for examples,
nitrates, calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics, estrogen,
progesterone), diabetes, or scleroderma.
- Esophagitis may be caused by yeast, fungi, viruses, bacteria, or
irritation from medications.
- Esophageal spasm is caused by excessive, intensified, or
uncoordinated contractions of the smooth muscle of the esophagus.
Spasm may be triggered by emotional upset or swallowing very hot or
cold liquids.
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.
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 3 nitroglycerin tablets taken 5 minutes apart.
- This is considered to be unstable angina, which may be a warning
sign of an impending heart attack.
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.
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolus are sudden onset of shortness of
breath, rapid breathing, and sharp pain in the mid chest, which
increases with deep breaths.
Symptoms of pneumothorax are sudden onset of shortness of breath,
sharp chest pain, rapid heart rate, and dizziness, light-headedness, or
faintness.
Perforated viscus comes on suddenly with severe abdominal, chest,
and/or back pain. Abdominal pain may increase with movement or when
breathing in and may be accompanied by a rigid, boardlike abdominal
wall.
The pain of pericarditis is typically described as a sharp or
stabbing pain in the mid chest, worsened by deep breaths.
- This pain may mimic the pain of a heart attack, because it may
radiate to the left side of the back or shoulder.
- One distinguishing factor is that the pain is worsened by lying
flat and improved by leaning forward. When lying flat, the inflamed
pericardium is in direct contact with the heart and causes pain.
When leaning forward, there is a space between the pericardium and
the heart.
- Many people report a recent cold, fever, shortness of breath, or
pain when swallowing just before developing pericarditis.
Mitral valve prolapse usually has no symptoms, but some people
experience palpitations (sensation of rapid or strong heart beat) and
chest pain.
- Chest pain associated with mitral valve prolapse differs from
that of typical angina in that it is sharp, does not radiate, and is
not related to physical exertion.
- Other symptoms include fatigue, light-headedness, and shortness
of breath.
- Anxiety also seems to be more common in people with mitral valve
prolapse than in the general population.
- Complications include infection of the heart valves, migraine
headaches, stroke or mini-stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms, which
rarely cause sudden death.
The chest pain of pneumonia occurs during prolonged or forceful
coughing.
With chest pain originating from the esophagus, symptoms depend on
the source.
- Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include
heartburn, painful swallowing, excessive salivation, dull chest
discomfort, chest pressure, or severe squeezing pain across the mid
chest. You may appear comfortable or may experience profuse
sweating, pallor, nausea, and vomiting. Other symptoms include sore
throat, sour or bitter taste in the mouth or throat, hoarseness, and
persistent dry cough. Pain from GERD is often relieved with
antacids.
- Symptoms of esophagitis include difficulty swallowing, painful
swallowing, or symptoms of GERD. The chest pain comes on suddenly
and is not relieved by antacids.
- The pain of esophageal spasm is usually intermittent and dull.
It is located in the mid chest and may radiate to the back, neck, or
shoulders.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you have any symptoms of chest pain, especially if the pain is
new, you may call your doctor.
- However, it may be best to call 911 for emergency transport or
go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not try to drive
yourself.
- Because so many causes of chest pain often mimic a heart attack
or other life-threatening illnesses, it is best to seek medical
attention as quickly as possible.
If you suspect that you may be having a heart attack or other
life-threatening chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital
emergency department. Do not try to drive yourself.
- If you are having a heart attack, time is muscle. The longer you
wait to receive evaluation and treatment, the more heart muscle is
damaged.
- If there is something serious going on that is causing your
chest pain, doctors can choose from many effective early
interventions to reduce your chances of dying or becoming severely
ill. These treatments can have a positive effect on the long-term
quality of your life.
What if it turns out not to be a heart attack or other
life-threatening event?
- You won’t know until the medical professionals at the hospital
check out the cause of your chest pain. Give yourself that peace of
mind.
- If your chest pain is not life threatening, you should not feel
embarrassed or that you "wasted everyone's time." Whatever the
outcome, you always make the correct choice by going to the nearest
hospital emergency department.
Chest pain, regardless of whether it is caused by a life-threatening
condition, needs to be evaluated by a medical professional. Be reassured
that you are making the right decision and feel comfortable seeking
emergency care whenever you experience chest pain.
Exams and Tests
In the hospital emergency department, the health care providers you
see use 3 basic procedures to decide if you are having a heart attack.
- The first is the symptoms you report.
- The second is an electrocardiogram (ECG), an electrical tracing
of the heart’s activity. On the ECG, it may be possible to tell
which vessels in the heart are blocked or narrowed.
- The third is measurement of enzymes given off by the heart when
it does not receive enough oxygen. These enzymes are detectable with
blood tests.
Angina is diagnosed by the same methods doctors use to diagnose heart
attacks.
- In angina, however, the test results reveal no permanent damage
to the heart.
- The diagnosis is made only after the possibility of a heart
attack has been ruled out, usually by negative results on 3 sets of
cardiac enzyme tests.
- Although the ECG may show abnormalities, these changes are often
reversible.
- Another way to diagnose angina is the "stress test": these tests
monitor your ECG during exercise or other stress to identify
blockages in blood vessels to the heart.
- Cardiac catheterization also is used to identify blockages. This
is a special type of x-ray (angiography or arteriography) that uses
a harmless dye to highlight blockages or other abnormalities in
blood vessels.
The diagnosis of aortic dissection is based on the symptoms you
describe, chest x-ray, and other special imaging tests.
- On a chest x-ray, the aorta will have an abnormal contour or
appear widened.
- Transesophageal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound of
the heart in which a probe is inserted into the esophagus. The
technique is performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
- The dissection may be identified very accurately by a CT scan of
the chest or angiography.
The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is made from a variety of
sources.
- Your description of your symptoms and results of ECG and chest
x-ray all may contribute to the diagnosis, but are not definitive.
- You will be asked if you have had any symptoms of a blood clot
in the leg.
- You may have blood drawn from an artery to check the levels of
oxygen and other gases. Abnormalities in blood gases indicate a
problem in the lungs that is preventing you from getting enough
oxygen.
- A ventilation-perfusion scan compares blood flow to oxygen
intake in different segments of the lung. An irregularity in just
one segment can indicate an embolism.
- Only angiography offers definitive diagnosis.
Spontaneous pneumothorax is diagnosed by physical exam and chest
x-ray. A CT scan may be helpful in locating a small pneumothorax.
Perforated viscus usually can be identified by a chest x-ray with you
standing upright or an abdominal x-ray with you lying on the left side.
- X-rays in these positions allow air to rise to the diaphragm,
where it can be detected.
- Your symptoms and the results of your physical exam and other
lab tests also assist in diagnosis.
Acute pericarditis is usually diagnosed by your symptoms, serial
ECGs, and echocardiography. Certain lab tests may be helpful in
determining the cause.
Mitral valve prolapse is detected by physical exam and an
echocardiogram, which allows observation of the valve's actions while
the heart beats and rests. This condition sometimes is linked to a
variety of abnormal findings on ECG.
Pneumonia is diagnosed by symptoms and medical history, physical
examination, and chest x-ray.
Disorders of the esophagus causing chest pain are diagnosed by a
process of elimination. The diagnosis is made on the basis of your
symptoms and your medical history, after ruling out heart causes and
observing whether you get pain relief from antacids.
Treatment
Self-Care at Home
If you suspect that you may be having a heart attack, call 911 for
emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- While you are waiting for the ambulance, chew 2 baby aspirin or
at least half of a regular aspirin—a total of at least 160 mg. There
is no evidence that taking more than this helps more, and you could
have unwanted side effects if you take too much.
- It is important to chew the aspirin before swallowing it because
chewing decreases the time the medicine takes to have an effect.
- Chewing an aspirin in the early stages of a heart attack may
reduce the risk of death by as much as 23%.
If you have had angina and have nitroglycerin tablets available,
place one under your tongue. This may aid in increasing blood flow to
blocked or narrowed arteries.
- If your chest pain continues in the next 5 minutes, you should
take another tablet under the tongue.
- If, after 3 nitroglycerin tablets, you do not have relief of the
chest pain, you should immediately call 911 or go to the nearest
emergency department.
If the pain is from acid reflux (GERD), it may be relieved with
antacids. Even if your pain goes away after you take an antacid, you
should not assume you are not having a heart attack. You should still be
evaluated in a hospital emergency department.
Medical Treatment
Treatment for a heart attack is aimed at increasing blood flow by
opening arteries blocked or narrowed by a blood clot.
- Medicines used to achieve this include aspirin, heparin, and
"clot-busting" (thrombolytic) drugs.
- Other medications can be used to slow the heart rate, which
decreases the workload of the heart and reduces pain.
- Angioplasty is a way of unblocking an artery. Angiography is
done first to locate narrowing or blockages. A very thin plastic
tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery. A tiny balloon
on the end of the catheter is inflated. This expands the artery,
providing a wider passage for blood. The balloon is then deflated
and removed. Sometimes a small metal "scaffold" called a stent is
placed in the artery to keep it expanded.
- Surgery may be required if medical treatment is unsuccessful.
This could include angioplasty or cardiac bypass.
Treatment of angina is directed at relieving chest pain that occurs
as the result of reduced blood flow to the heart.
- The medication nitroglycerin is the most widely used treatment.
Nitroglycerin dilates (widens) the coronary arteries. It is often
taken under the tongue (sublingually).
- People with known angina may be treated with nitroglycerin for 3
doses, 5 minutes apart.
- If the pain remains, nitroglycerin is given by IV, and the
person is admitted to the hospital and monitored to rule out a heart
attack.
- Long-term treatment after the first episode of angina focuses on
reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Suspected aortic dissection often is treated with medications that
reduce blood pressure.
- Medications that slow the heart rate and dilate the arteries are
the most widely used.
- Close monitoring is required to avoid lowering the blood
pressure too much, which can be dangerous.
- Surgical repair is required for any dissection that involves the
ascending (upward) portion of the aorta.
Anyone with a presumed or documented pulmonary embolism requires
admission to the hospital.
- Treatment usually includes supplemental oxygen and medication to
prevent further clotting of blood, typically heparin.
- If the embolism is very large, "clot-busting" medications are
given in some situations to dissolve the clot.
- Some people undergo surgery to place an umbrellalike filter in a
blood vessel to prevent blood clots from the lower extremities from
moving to the lungs.
Spontaneous pneumothorax without symptoms involves 6 hours of
hospital observation and repeat chest x-rays.
- If the size of the pneumothorax remains unchanged, you usually
are discharged with a follow-up appointment in 24 hours.
- If you develop symptoms or the pneumothorax enlarges, you will
be admitted to the hospital. You will undergo catheter aspiration or
have a chest tube inserted to restore negative pressure in the lung
sac.
Any disruption or perforation of the intestinal tract (viscus) is a
potentially life-threatening emergency. Immediate surgery may be
required.
Viral pericarditis usually improves with 7-21 days of therapy with
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin and ibuprofen
(Motrin, for example).
Mitral valve prolapse is usually treated conservatively, which means
with surgery or other invasive treatments.
- Medications to control palpitations and chest pain are the usual
treatment.
- When the condition is severe and does not respond to medical
treatment, an operation to replace the valve is needed.
- If you have mitral valve prolapse, you should take antibiotics
before any high-risk surgery or dental work.
- This reduces the risk of endocarditis, an infection of the heart
valves.
Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, and pain medication is given
for chest wall tenderness.
Costochondritis is usually treated with nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
The 3 major esophageal disorders that cause chest pain—acid reflux
(GERD), esophagitis, and esophageal spasm—are treated with antacid
therapy; antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medication; medication to
relax the muscles of the esophagus; or some combination of these.
Next Steps
Follow-up
No matter what the cause of chest pain, regular follow-up visits with
your health care provider are important. This will help you remain as
healthy as possible and prevent worsening of your condition.
Prevention
Prevention of heart attack and angina involves living what the
American Heart Association calls a "heart healthy" lifestyle. Reducing
your risk factors has a significant effect on reducing your risk.
- Don't smoke.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat nutritious, low-fat foods in moderate quantities.
- Use alcohol moderately, if at all.
- Engage in physical activity or exercise for at least 30 minutes
every day.
- Control high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar every day.
Aortic dissection may be prevented by controlling your high blood
pressure.
Prevention of pulmonary embolism includes living a heart healthy
lifestyle.
- No one should smoke, but women older than 35 years who use birth
control pills are at especially high risk from smoking.
- You should always receive preventive anticoagulant medication
after surgery, especially after orthopedic surgery.
Smoking cessation decreases the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax.
Treating peptic ulcers appropriately and avoiding swallowing foreign
bodies reduce your risk of perforated viscus.
Because many cases of acute pericarditis are caused by viruses,
effective handwashing may reduce transmission of infectious viral
agents. Effective handwashing and good hygiene will help reduce the
transmission of infectious viruses and bacteria that can cause
pneumonia.
There is no true prevention for mitral valve prolapse.
Acid reflux (GERD) can be prevented to a certain extent in most
people.
- Avoid foods and other substances that bring on or worsen
symptoms, especially fatty foods
- Stop smoking
- Use alcohol in moderation, if at all
- Avoid eating large meals
- Avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime
- Avoid lying down right after eating
- Elevate the head of your bed
Outlook
Early medical intervention improves survival in potentially
life-threatening illnesses involving chest pain.
Heart attack and unstable angina: Heart disease, which includes heart
attacks and angina, is the leading cause of death for American adults.
Almost 1 million people die each year from this disease. Whether you
survive a heart attack depends on the time it takes to get medical
treatment, the region and extent of injury within the heart, and the
presence of any other risk factors.
Aortic dissection: Quick action in getting medical treatment is
essential with aortic dissection. Up to 20% of people with aortic
dissection who receive medical treatment but not surgery die. Of those
who undergo surgery, about 7% die.
Pulmonary embolism: Even with early treatment, 1 in 10 people with
pulmonary embolism die within the first hour. One third are treated with
a good outcome. Two thirds of cases of pulmonary embolism go
undiagnosed, and one third of these people die of the condition.
Spontaneous pneumothorax: Ninety-five percent of people with this
condition recover fully. Other illnesses causing pneumothorax and
complications from the chest tube placement may prolong or worsen the
condition.
Perforated viscus: With early detection and intervention, the
prognosis for perforated viscus is good.
Acute pericarditis: Although the course may vary with each person, an
estimated 60% recover completely within 1 week, and another 20% recover
completely within 3 weeks. Only 3% of people have symptoms lasting more
than 3 weeks. For about 15% of people, symptoms return within a year.
Mitral valve prolapse: Overall, the outlook is good. The complication
rate is low.
Pneumonia: In young, healthy adults, the prognosis for pneumonia is
good with appropriate treatment. Prognosis is generally poorer in the
elderly and in people with weakened immune systems such as those with
HIV/AIDS.
Chest pain originating from the esophagus: Reflux disease (GERD)
affects about one fourth of the adult population and has a very low
death rate. Esophagitis may lead to ulcerations, scarring, or narrowing
of the esophagus. With the exception of possible perforation, which has
a high death rate, the overall prognosis is good. Esophageal spasm has a
good outcome.
For More Information
American Heart Association
National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
(800) 242-8721
Web Links
American Heart
Association (www.americanheart.org)
North American
Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (www.naspe-patients.org)
MEDCEU
Continuing Education Courses CEU for Nurses and Healthcare Professional
Home
Page
|