Chest pain is one of those symptoms that can stop you in your tracks — literally and emotionally. It can feel sharp or dull, constant or fleeting, intense or just a strange pressure that makes you uneasy. Because chest pain can have many causes, it’s easy to brush it off as “probably nothing.” But Dr. Fahmi Farah and our team at Bentley Heart caution against ignoring it altogether.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and chest pain is one of its most common warning signs. Not all chest pain signals a heart attack, but knowing when to seek care could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Chest pain doesn’t always manifest as the dramatic clutching of the chest we often see in movies. In fact, it usually starts subtly with a heavy feeling after climbing stairs, a tightness during stressful moments, or discomfort that radiates into the arm, jaw, or back.
It’s easy to write it off as just heartburn, anxiety, or fatigue and put off evaluation and treatment. Still, early intervention is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing serious cardiac events.
Dr. Farah can determine what’s behind the pain and create a treatment plan that protects your heart health long term.
If you’re unsure whether to seek help, err on the side of caution. You should call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room if you experience:
These can all signal a heart attack or other serious condition. Don’t wait it out. Quick action can save your heart muscle and your life.
Not all chest pain is heart-related, but some of the most serious cases are. Chest pain that involves the heart can stem from:
Each of these conditions can feel different, but they share one common thread: prompt evaluation matters.
Your heart problem may not come on with sudden, severe pain. Sometimes, early warning signs are easy to miss or dismiss. That’s why we recommend scheduling a cardiology appointment with Dr. Farah, especially if you notice:
We run non-invasive tests, such as an EKG or stress test, to determine the cause and catch heart disease before it becomes severe.
It’s essential to remember that heart disease often develops gradually over time. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may already be in an advanced stage.
That’s why early detection is so important. Identifying blockages, high blood pressure, or abnormal rhythms early allows enough time for treatment that can prevent major cardiac events.
Even if your symptoms turn out to be non-cardiac, getting checked provides peace of mind — and that alone is worth the visit.
Chest pain isn’t always a heart attack, but it’s never something to ignore. Whether your discomfort is sudden or subtle, consulting with Dr. Farah can help protect your health and potentially save your life.
If you’ve noticed recurring pain, pressure, or other concerning symptoms, contact our friendly staff at 817-720-5185 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Worth, Texas, today.