18. Chest Pain or Pressure
Chest pain is often associated with heart attacks, but it can also occur in heart failure. Patients may feel heaviness, tightness, squeezing, or burning in the chest. Sometimes the pain spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Unlike sharp stabbing pain, chest pain in heart problems is usually dull and persistent.
In heart failure, chest pain often means that the heart muscle is not getting enough blood supply (ischemia) or that the heart is working too hard against pressure. It may appear during exertion, stress, or even at rest.
Take Mrs. Charles, a 60-year-old school administrator. She began experiencing chest pressure whenever she climbed stairs. She thought it was acidity and took antacids, but the pain persisted. Eventually, tests showed blocked arteries and heart failure. With stents and medications, her chest pain reduced, but she remained under close monitoring.
Chest pain is one of the most serious symptoms. Families should never ignore it or assume it is indigestion. If chest pain lasts more than a few minutes, worsens with activity, or comes with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath, it could be a heart emergency. Quick medical attention can save lives.