RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Approach to managing undiagnosed chest pain
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 261
OP 266
VO 53
IS 2
A1 Nigel Flook
A1 Peter Unge
A1 Lars Agréus
A1 Björn W. Karlson
A1 Staffan Nilsson
YR 2007
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/53/2/261.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE To highlight gastroesophageal reflux disease as a commoncause of undiagnosed chest pain. SOURCES OF INFORMATION Diagnostic considerations are based on information in peer-reviewed articles retrieved from MEDLINE. Studies had to be in English and involve at least 30 subjects. Population-based studies had to have a sample size of at least 300 and a response rate of at least 60%. Thirty-seven relevant articles were found. MAIN MESSAGE Clinical management of patients presenting with diagnostically challenging chest pain starts with a careful search for coronary artery disease and other potentially life-threatening causes. Investigations must continue until the underlying disease is identified and symptoms have been effectively controlled. Ongoing symptoms of undiagnosed chest pain cause considerable suffering, impair quality of life, and add unnecessary costs to the health care system. In more than half the patients with undiagnosed chest pain, symptoms are caused by gastroesophageal disease. Empirical acid-suppressive therapy with a proton pump inhibitor can assist clinicians in identifying patients whose symptoms are acid-related. CONCLUSION Many patients with undiagnosed chest pain can be managed in primary care, minimizing the need for referrals and costly investigations.