Q. What are the most common causes of chest pain, and how can I differentiate between heart-related and non-heart-related pain?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Chest pain can be concerning, and it’s important to understand what might be causing it. Here are some common causes and how to differentiate between heart-related and non-heart-related pain.
Common Causes of Chest Pain
1. Heart-Related Causes:
-
Angina: This pain occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood and oxygen. It often feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest and may spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, or back.
-
Heart Attack: A more severe condition where blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. The pain is usually intense, lasting more than a few minutes, and might be accompanied by sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
-
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac around the heart, causing sharp, stabbing pain that may worsen with deep breaths or lying down.
2. Non-Heart-Related Causes:
-
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Often mistaken for heart pain, GERD causes a burning sensation or discomfort that usually follows a meal.
-
Muscle Strain: Chest pain can result from overexertion or injury to the chest muscles, typically felt as soreness or a sharp pain when moving or breathing deeply.
-
Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Emotional stress can cause chest pain that mimics heart issues, often accompanied by rapid heartbeat, sweating, and a sense of impending doom.
Differentiating Between Heart-Related and Non-Heart-Related Pain
-
Heart-Related Pain:
-
Usually feels like pressure, squeezing, or heaviness.
-
May radiate to other parts of the body like the arm, neck, jaw, or back.
-
Often accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
-
Typically occurs with physical exertion or emotional stress.
-
-
Non-Heart-Related Pain:
-
Often sharp or stabbing and may worsen with movement or deep breathing.
-
Localized to a specific area, not radiating to other parts of the body.
-
May be associated with digestive issues like acid reflux or muscle soreness.
-
Can be linked to anxiety or panic, often accompanied by overbreathing or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
-
If you're experiencing chest pain, it's crucial to take it seriously. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. Consult a cardiologist for a proper evaluation, as chest pain can be a symptom of heart problems. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain.