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## Risk Stratification

Classify patients into low, intermediate, or high-risk categories based on clinical presentation, ECG findings, and initial test results[4].

## Management Based on Risk and Diagnosis

### Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

- For ST-elevation MI: Immediate reperfusion therapy (PCI preferred within 90 minutes, or thrombolytics if PCI unavailable)[1].
- For non-ST elevation ACS: Admit for cardiology consultation and further workup[1].

### Pulmonary Embolism

- Stable patients: Start anticoagulation
- Unstable patients: Consider thrombolysis[1]

### Other Conditions

- Pneumothorax: Chest tube decompression
- Pericardial tamponade: Pericardiocentesis
- Aortic dissection: Urgent surgical consultation[1]

## Ongoing Care

- Provide appropriate pain management
- Consider oxygen therapy if indicated
- For stable angina, outpatient workup may be appropriate[1]

## Shared Decision-Making

Involve patients in treatment decisions, providing information about risks, benefits, and alternatives[4].

## Discharge and Follow-up

For low-risk patients not requiring admission, ensure appropriate follow-up and provide clear instructions on when to seek further medical attention[3].

Remember, chest pain can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. When in doubt, it's crucial to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe, worsening, or lasting more than 10 minutes[3].

Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470557/
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/chest-pain
[3] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chest-pain
[4] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001029
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-chest-pain/basics/art-20056705
[6] https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1215/p721.html
[7] https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/angina/treatment

++++++++++++++

Differentiating GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) from MI (myocardial infarction) is crucial, as both can present with chest pain, but one is life-threatening.

Here’s a clear comparison to help distinguish them:


⚖️ GERD vs MI: Key Differences

Feature GERD Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Pain character Burning, pressure-like Pressure, squeezing, heavy, crushing
Pain location Substernal, epigastric, may radiate upward Substernal, may radiate to jaw, neck, shoulder, arm (esp. left)
Timing Often post-meal, worse lying down Sudden, may occur at rest or with exertion
Duration Variable, minutes to hours Usually >20 minutes, persistent
Relieved by Antacids, sitting up Rest, nitroglycerin (sometimes not relieved)
Associated symptoms Sour taste, regurgitation, bloating Dyspnea, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, feeling of doom
ECG changes Normal ST changes, Q waves, arrhythmias
Troponins Normal Elevated
Physical exam Usually normal May show signs of heart failure, hypotension
Risk factors Obesity, hiatal hernia, spicy foods Diabetes, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia

⚠️ Red Flags Suggesting MI (go to ER):

  • Chest pressure with radiation to left arm, jaw, or back

  • Shortness of breath, especially on exertion or at rest

  • Cold sweats, palpitations, nausea

  • Unrelieved pain >15–20 minutes

  • History of cardiac disease or risk factors


🧪 Diagnostic Workup:

  • If in doubt → ECG + troponins stat

  • If cardiac ruled out → consider GI studies like endoscopy, pH testing, etc.


Would you like a visual chart or flowchart for quick triage use (e.g., for clinic or teaching)?