Cardiologist warns against dismissing chest pain after stress

In comments reported by RIA Novosti on October 9, cardiologist Yulia Stakhovskaya warned that chest pain after an emotional shock should not automatically be blamed on nerves. It can accompany a heart attack or stress cardiomyopathy.

The doctor at SM-Clinic in Ryazan told Gazeta.Ru that severe stress can sometimes trigger takotsubo syndrome. This is another name for stress cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle temporarily weakens. Sudden chest pain and breathlessness can resemble a heart attack.

Stakhovskaya highlighted pressing, squeezing or burning chest pain, particularly when it spreads to the arms, back, shoulder, neck or lower jaw. Cold sweats, nausea, severe weakness, dizziness and loss of consciousness also require urgent assessment.

Anyone with a suspected heart attack should immediately call an ambulance instead of driving to hospital or waiting for symptoms to improve. That advice is consistent with American Heart Association recommendations. In Russia, emergency medical services can be reached on 103 or through the general emergency number 112.