Chest Pain
in Denver

What is Chest Pain?

In general, chest pain can be divided into two categories: cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain. Cardiac chest pain is a pain in the chest caused by heart disease or a heart attack, while non-cardiac chest pain is chest pain that is not related to the heart and is commonly related to problems with the esophagus such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other esophageal problems that may lead to chest pain include esophageal motility disorders and esophageal hypersensitivity.

Common symptoms of non-cardiac chest pain include:

• Pressure or squeezing pain behind the breastbone.
• Pain that may spread to the neck, left arm or back.
• Heartburn.
• A bitter taste in the mouth.

How is Chest Pain Diagnosed?

Because it can be hard to distinguish whether you are experiencing cardiac or non-cardiac chest pain, if you are experiencing any type of unexplained pain in your chest you should go to the emergency room. There, a doctor can test you for heart disease or heart attack through an electrocardiogram and blood tests.

It is never pleasant to have gastro problems, however, the staff at your office from top to bottom have been very accommodating. They take a personal interest in your condition and imagine this; THEY RETURN PHONE MESSAGES PROMPTLY. I'm not completely better yet but have total confidence they will get me there. I highly recommend this practice.

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My experience with South Denver GI has been outstanding. Everyone I have met on the staff is exceptionally professional with tremendous people skills. Top-notch practice that I would unequivocally recommend to anyone.

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These people were all extremely professional and kind. The bedside manner from all staff was great and they were thorough with all information. Medical stuff is hard to deal with, but with people like this, the discomfort was eased. I highly recommend this office to anyone needing this type of help.

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Chest Pain Treatment Options

In order to treat non-cardiac chest pain, the cause of the pain must first be identified. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) are the most popular treatment for non-cardiac chest pain that is caused by GERD. Treatment often begins with a high dose of a PPI, and after GERD symptoms are reduced, the dose is dropped to the lowest amount to control symptoms.

For non-cardiac chest pain that is not caused by GERD, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are the most commonly used medications. These work by blocking pain signals. Chest pain may also be due to anxiety, stress or depression. In these cases, a psychologist can help patients to work through these problems so that they no longer cause chest pain.

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