Chest Pain

Chest pain isn’t a condition, but rather the primary symptom of heart attack and heart problems. You should never take chest pain lightly: Seek the expertise of a cardiologist like Dr. Craig Peterson at Eastern Shore Heart Center. Dr. Peterson’s practice in Fairhope, AL is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to determine whether your heart health is at risk, allowing you to get treatment promptly. To learn more, call or book an appointment online.

Chest Pain Q & A

Chest pain presents itself in several ways, including:

Sharp, stabbing pain

A dull ache

A heaviness or crushing sensation

Burning

In some cases, this pain may radiate out to your neck or back or travel down one or both arms.

If you’re experiencing chest pain, call Dr. Peterson to set up an appointment right away to see if your cardiovascular health is at risk. If your chest pain is severe and you’re having trouble breathing, call 911. Often, your lungs or digestive system can cause chest pain, but when it comes to your heart, it’s always better not to take any chances.

After a quick blood pressure test, Dr. Peterson will sit down with you to review your symptoms, as well as your medical history. From there, Dr. Peterson will perform tests based on this information. These tests may include:

Screenings

Dr. Peterson orders blood screenings to determine a few key factors, such as:

Cholesterol levels

The presence of inflammation

Glucose levels for diabetes concerns

Imaging

Dr. Peterson turns to imaging technologies to check the function of your heart. These include:

Ultrasound of your abdominal aorta

Nuclear stress test to measure blood flow

3D echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of your heart

Stress tests

Eastern Shore Heart Center is equipped with the latest technology to check your heart function, including:

Treadmill stress testing

Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring to measure your heart’s electrical activity

Carry-along event recorder, heart rate monitor to record your heart rhythms

After exhaustive testing, Dr. Peterson has a much clearer picture of how your heart is functioning and what may be causing your chest pain, which may have nothing to do with your heart after all. If that’s the case, Dr. Peterson may recommend that you see another doctor to get to the source of your pain.

If Dr. Peterson identifies a cardiovascular issue in the results of your tests, imaging, and screenings, he can start treating you. Treatment for heart problems largely depends on the source and extent of the problem, but typically includes:

Medications

Lifestyle changes

Medical procedures

If you’re experiencing chest pain, it is critically important that you seek immediate medical attention. Call Eastern Shore Heart Center or use our convenient form.

Services & Procedures

Conditions Treated

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Testimonials

He haas been there when I needed him through a couple incidents. Very easy to work with and listens to me when I call. BettyVitals Guest
Nice staff and very knowledgeablebasscatlildave
Dr Peterson & his staff are fantastic! Office very organized & smoothly run!Julia Parks

Staff is professional and friendly. At the same time efficient and responsive.Jim G.
Extremely happy with the service and care I’ve received from Dr. Peterson.Mary W.
Dr Peterson is always so professional and listens. Connie and all the others are kind and seem to care about each patientXina S.

Very professional staff and knowledgeable. Dr.Peterson is awesome. I highly recommend him.Betty D.
Everything and everyone was absolutely outstanding!Crystal K
Everyone I interacted with was friendly and sincerer about giving me quality care. I have been going there for over two years and I do not wish to change Doctors.ROBERT S.

MY recent visit went very well. PERFECT TIMING. Good report.Joyce S.
Dr. Peterson and his staff are very professional and always friendly. They care about their patients.Edwin (bub) F.
DR. PETERSON'S AND STAFF ARE INCREDIBLE THEY ARE NICE, FRIENDLY, EFFICIENT AND GO OUT OF THER WAY TO DO WHAT EVER THEY CAN TO HELP YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT.Philip D.

I required 3 tests be performed, all 3 were completed on premise in a timely manner. They were obviously scheduled as I was in and out of the office in short order. Dr. Peterson called that afternoon and we went through the results. Explains results in a easy to understand manner.In the past this would have required 3 separate trips with my previous provider. Staff are all knowledgeable and courteous.Keith K.
Very professional individuals and everything was explained in detail.JOHN S.
Nothing is unseen or undone with Dr. Peterson and his staff. Everyone there is very caring.Penny M.

My experience with Dr Peterson was very satisfactory. I was very please with how quickly I got an appointment. He and his staff were very caring and concern about finding my problem. I was very pleased with my visit.Mary K.
My visit was on schedule, professionally managed, and the sharing of the technology was gratifying. I cannot begin to express my thanks for the care I receive at this facility. I am sure if it wasn't for the care I received I would have crossed the rainbow bridge. Having Dr. Peterson as my cardiologist is indeed a blessing.Ralph L.

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