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UT Southwestern Medical Center is nationally recognized as a leader in the speed at which we initiate therapy for ischemic heart disease (congestive heart failure that is a result of coronary artery disease), surpassing the national average by 25 percent.  The chest pain program is part of the Emergency Room at the our hospital in the UT Southwestern University Hospital.

Tests and Exams

For patients experiencing symptoms of chest pain, a specialist can perform one or more diagnostic procedures, including:

• Electrocardiogram - testing the characteristics of heart rate and rhythm
• Echocardiogram - creating a "picture" of the heart
• Arteriography – using a contrast dye to determine if an artery is narrowing
• Exercise stress test - testing heart function at an increased demand state
• Coronary catheterization - showing the heart's internal structures

Treatment

UT Southwestern cardiologists will also thoroughly evaluate patients’ medical histories, families’ history of heart disease and any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to their condition. If diagnosed with a heart condition or disease, the cardiologist will discuss the appropriate treatment options for a patient’s specific situation, which may include one or more of the following:

• Changes in lifestyle, including exercising. losing weight, reducing sodium intake or beginning smoking cessation therapy if the patient smokes.
  
  
• Medication, including aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots, beta-blockers to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, nitrates to improve heart blood supply or calcium channel blockers to relax artery tone.
  
  
• Interventions, including balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting, minimally invasive surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting.

Patient Education

UT Southwestern reminds patients that it is important to be aware of family history for heart disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

Chest pain and discomfort are warning signs of a potential and imminent heart attack, and patients should become familiar with the warning signs because fast action can save lives. Patients who experience any of the following symptoms should call 911 immediately to be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room: chest discomfort or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.

For more information, please visit the Health Library.