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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you're experiencing chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, get emergency care. When you see the admitting nurse and the doctor in the emergency room, you'll be asked a number of questions, which may include the following:
- When did the symptoms begin?
- Can you rate the severity of chest pain, such as on a scale of 1 to 10?
- Does anything worsen symptoms? For example, does it hurt more when you inhale deeply?
- Where is the pain located? Does it extend anywhere beyond your chest?
- Have you experienced a recent event that could cause tissue damage to the heart, such as a heart attack, heart surgery or blunt trauma to your chest?
- Do you have a history of heart disease?
- What prescription or over-the-counter medications are you taking?
- Who is your primary care physician, heart specialist (cardiologist) or surgeon?
References
- Hoit B. Pericardial disease. In: Fuster V, et al., eds. Hurst's The Heart. 12th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008.
- Hoit BD. Pericardial and postpericardial injury syndromes. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- LeWinter MM. Pericardial complications of myocardial infarction. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10. 2010.
- Pericarditis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec07/ch078/ch078a.html?qt=Post%20pericardiotomy%20&alt=sh. Accessed Feb. 12, 2010.
- Heffner JE. Pleural effusions following cardiac surgery. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 1, 2010.
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