Chest Pain

Question 1

What are CVD conditions that can cause chest pain?

Answer 1

CHD
AMI
Aortic dissection
Pericarditis
Endocarditis

Question 2

What are respiratory conditions that can cause chest pain?

Answer 2

PE
Pneumothorax
Pneumonia
Lung cancer
Pleural effusion

Question 3

What is the typical nature of CVD chest pain?

Answer 3

Deep, retrosternal, crushing pain

Maybe radiations to left arm, jaw, neck, interscap

Question 4

What is the typical nature of respiratory chest pain?

Answer 4

Pleuritic (associated with breathing)

Rarely radiates

Question 5

What other SSX can help to differentiate chest pain that is CVD or respiratory in nature?

Answer 5

CVD:
- other CVD SSX or risk factors

Respiratory:

• cough
• chest tightness
• other respiratory SSX

Question 6

What are condition specific types of chest pain?

Answer 6

AMI and pericarditis - sudden onset severe restrosternal

Aortic dissection - sudden onset severe chest and upper back pain (ripping, stabbing, tearing, knife like quality)

Stable angina - pain relieved by rest

Question 7

What factors can differentiate MSK causes of chest pain?

Answer 7

• relieved by rest
• well localized
• tender to palpation
• rarely radiates
• may be relieved by heat, NSAIDs