Expert Care at UMC Victoria Hospital

Experiencing chest discomfort or breathing issues can be alarming. At UMC Victoria Hospital, our cardiology and pulmonology teams are here to help you understand the causes, recognize the symptoms, and get the care you need to stay healthy.

Common Causes of Chest Pain and Breathing Issues

Chest tightness, pressure, or shortness of breath may stem from physical or mental health conditions, including anxiety or stress. While some issues like panic attacks mimic heart-related symptoms, others can be life-threatening and require immediate attention.

Mental Health & Anxiety

Panic attacks and hyperventilation often lead to:

• Chest tightness or pressure

• Racing heart, dizziness, tingling sensations

• Rapid breathing or breathlessness

Though these are not life-threatening, they can be intense and mimic heart-related conditions.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Reach out to emergency services or visit UMC Victoria Hospital if you or someone experiences:

• Sudden, intense chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath with chest pain
• Pain radiating to the arms, jaw, neck, or back
• Dizziness, fainting, cold sweats, nausea, or coughing blood
• Persistent high fever or a cough lasting over three weeks

Key Diagnostic Tests

To determine the cause of chest discomfort or breathing difficulty, our specialists at UMC Victoria Hospital may recommend:

• ECG/EKG: Heart evaluation
• Chest X-ray or CT scan: Lung assessment
• Blood tests: Troponin for heart attacks or D-dimer for detecting clots
• Spirometry/PFTs: Diagnosing asthma or COPD
• Echocardiogram: Assessing structural heart health

Treatment Options

At UMC Victoria Hospital, our expert team provides tailored treatments based on the cause:

• Heart attack: Emergency reperfusion, clot-busters, stents, or CPR
• Myocarditis/pericarditis: Anti-inflammatory medications and rest
• Pulmonary hypertension: Oxygen therapy and vasodilators
• Asthma: Inhalers and avoiding triggers
• Bronchitis: Rest, fluids, and humidification
• Pneumonia: Antibiotics, antivirals, and supportive care
• Pulmonary embolism: Anticoagulants
• Costochondritis: NSAIDs, rest, and heat or cold therapy
• Anxiety disorders: Counseling, breathing techniques, and medication

Preventive Strategies for Heart and Lung Health

To minimize risks of chest pain or breathing difficulty, follow these preventive measures:

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung and heart diseases
• Stay Active: Regular exercise improves cardiovascular and pulmonary function
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Helps prevent acid reflux and heart disease
• Manage Stress: Reduces anxiety-related chest symptoms
• Get Vaccinations: Protects against flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal infections

When in Doubt, Act Fast

Chest pain and breathing difficulties can range from mild conditions like acid reflux to severe, life-threatening issues like heart attacks or pulmonary embolism. Organizations like the CDC and NIH emphasize the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment.

If you or someone around you has persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or worrisome symptoms, don’t wait—seek immediate medical attention. Timely diagnosis and treatment can save lives.

Book an Appointment Today

Have concerns about chest pain or breathing difficulty? Our cardiology and pulmonology specialists are ready to help. Visit the UMC Victoria Hospital Book an Appointment now to schedule your evaluation today.