Chest pain in a person known to have heart disease

Chest pain in a person known to have heart disease

Chest pain in a person known to have heart disease or for that matter in any person, needs early medical attention. In a person known to have heart disease, any pain which resembles the original pain in location and character needs urgent attention. Best option is to take rest immediately and transfer the person to the nearest hospital.

An ECG recorded during the episode of pain gives a lot more information than one recorded after the pain has subsided. Moreover, the golden hour for intervention in case of a new heart attack is within the first one hour and early detection and treatment goes a long way in improving the outcome.

Another important point is that when you have chest pain suspected to be due to heart disease, it is always better that you don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Have some one else drive even if you are not feeling that sick. This will avoid any potential problems which can occur if the chest pain worsens on the way. It will also ensure that you have at least one other person to help you on the way.