MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Jaw pain and heart attacks

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Jaw pain and heart attacks

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Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Jaw pain and heart attacks

Alternative Names Return to top

Tooth pain and heart attacks; Heart attacks and jaw pain

Information Return to top

Question:

Can pain in the jaw or teeth be an indication of a heart attack?

Answer:

Sometimes. Heart pain can radiate to the jaw and teeth. It is more common for heart-related discomfort to affect the lower jaw than the upper jaw. It cannot be emphasized enough that a heart attack can have symptoms other than chest pain and these symptoms should be checked immediately.

Pain in the upper teeth also can indicate other conditions, such as a sinus infection. It's important to get evaluated by your doctor to know the cause of your symptoms.

See also:

Update Date: 10/22/2007

Updated by: Larry A. Weinrauch, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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