Symptoms of the chest produce chest pain, heart attacks and death. Forerunners of these conditions can be chest pain with exertion, shortness of breath and fatigue. The pain may radiate into the arm, neck or rarely, the back or the abdomen.

Symptoms of shortness of breath can be a manifestation of diminished pulmonary function or decreased cardiac function.

Pulmonary symptoms occur from lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural effusions. Chronic destruction of the lung with decreased elasticity occurs with emphysema. Pneumonia prevents adequate oxygen exchange.

Symptoms of irregular or rapid heart beat can occur from arrhythmias. They can occur in response to anemia or pulmonary disease. They can occur from pulmonary emboli and pneumonia. Irregularities of the heart occur from heart attacks.

The important thing to remember, is that understanding the underlying cause of your chest symptoms may be crucial. Education of patients about their chest symptoms improves the chance of obtaining the right diagnosis and obtaining prompt and correct treatment.

Click the links below