The MUSC Heart and Vascular Center's Chest Pain Center in Charleston, SC treats and provides evaluations and diagnosis for South Carolina patients that are experiencing chest pain symptoms. At MUSC's nationally accredited chest pain center, patients are fast-tracked for immediate care, offering the best chances for survival. With world-class cardiovascular specialists and the most advanced technology in South Carolina, the MUSC Chest Pain Center puts time--and unmatched expertise--on your side. Diagnosing Chest Pain and Heart AttacksEach chest pain patient is met at the door by a highly qualified clinician who provides an immediate evaluation. Once the problem is diagnosed as chest pain, the patient is evaluated by a physician and undergoes some quick tests--including an electrocardiogram and a blood test--to confirm that a heart attack is underway. If a heart attack is diagnosed, the patient is taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for an angiogram. Then the problem is immediately treated. When chest pain evaluation does not indicate a heart attack, our advanced training and cutting-edge technology, such as the dual-source CT scanner, allow us to quickly diagnose chest pain and other serious conditions that many other facilities are unable to identify. At least half of patients who suffer heart attacks have had warning signs in the previous two weeks. It's vital to respond to these symptoms by seeking medical care in order to avoid the heart attack. Symptoms include feeling of constriction, pressure, burning or pain in the chest. Often patients confuse heart attack warning signs to heart burn or otherwise rationalize not taking action. Besides heart attack, other serious problems that cause chest pain are blood clots to the lungs and damage of the major blood vessels supplying blood to the body. Contact the MUSC Heart and Vascular Center to schedule appointments or ask questions about causes, diagnosis and symptoms of chest pain. | 
