Which Specialist Should You See for Chest Pain and Discomfort?

Which specialty should I see?

Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing sharp pain in my left chest, and at times my left arm and left jaw feel numb.
Additionally, I've had sudden sharp pain in my right chest, and there's some tenderness when I press near the center of my chest.
Which specialty should I consult?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/07

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, it is recommended to first consult a cardiologist to assess whether there are any serious cardiac conditions.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2020/10/07

More Info

When experiencing chest pain and discomfort, especially with accompanying symptoms such as pain radiating to the left arm and jaw, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The symptoms you describe could potentially indicate a serious condition, such as a heart-related issue, and should not be taken lightly.

The first specialist you should consider seeing is a cardiologist. Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions. Given your symptoms, they can perform necessary tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or stress tests to evaluate your heart's function and rule out any serious issues like angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

If your chest pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. These could be signs of a heart attack, which requires urgent intervention.

In addition to a cardiologist, you might also consider consulting with a primary care physician. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, take a detailed medical history, and perform initial examinations. If necessary, they can refer you to a cardiologist or other specialists based on their findings.

If your symptoms are related to anxiety or stress, which can also manifest as chest pain, a psychiatrist or psychologist may be beneficial. They can help you manage anxiety or panic attacks that might be contributing to your discomfort.

In some cases, if the pain is musculoskeletal in nature (for example, due to muscle strain or rib issues), a physiatrist or orthopedic specialist may be appropriate. They can assess any physical injuries or conditions affecting your chest area.

It’s important to note that chest pain can have various causes, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to get a proper diagnosis. Do not delay in seeking medical attention, especially if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

In summary, start with a cardiologist for a thorough evaluation of your heart health. If necessary, your cardiologist may refer you to other specialists based on their findings. Always prioritize your health and seek immediate care if you feel your symptoms are severe or worsening.

Similar Q&A

Which Specialist Should You See for Heart and Chest Pain?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my chest and heart for over a month now. Recently, the pain has been particularly severe and lasts longer. Should I see a pulmonologist or a cardiologist?

Dr. Bu Shiyun reply Cardiology
Chest pain is not always related to heart issues; it is advisable to first consult a family medicine physician or a cardiologist.

Which Specialist to Consult for Ongoing Chest and Back Pain?

I previously consulted a doctor regarding my electrocardiogram results, and they indicated that there were no significant issues. I also had a chest X-ray, which showed no problems. However, I am still experiencing chest tightness and back pain. I have taken medication for gastro...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, if you are experiencing chest tightness, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist for further examinations to rule out coronary artery disease. Take care, and the Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being.

Which Specialist to See for Chest Pain: Internal Medicine or Cardiology?

Hello, doctor: I sometimes feel pain in my left chest, a little above that area, and it feels like a sharp pain. I'm concerned that I might have heart disease because I'm a bit overweight. Which department should I visit for this? Should I see Internal Medicine, Cardiol...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
There are many causes of left-sided chest pain, such as pleurisy, angina, and pulmonary diseases. Therefore, it is essential to visit a thoracic specialist and a cardiologist for a thorough examination and treatment.

Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Chest Pain?

I often experience chest pain, ranging from the upper inner left chest to the upper inner right chest. Yesterday at noon, while trying to take a nap, I suddenly felt intense pain in the center of my chest halfway through lying down. It hurt whether I was lying down or sitting up,...

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Many specialties have ruled out related issues. If the pain occurs primarily when lying down, consider problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal ulcers, or pancreatitis. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician for...