Chest Pain

Table of Contents

Other names

Angina
Thoracic Pain
Pectoral Pain
Non-Cardiac Chest Pain
Costochondritis (if musculoskeletal-related)

Synopsis

Chest pain refers to discomfort or pain felt anywhere along the front of the body between the neck and upper abdomen. It can be sharp, dull, burning, aching, or tight, and may be constant or intermittent. While chest pain is often associated with heart-related issues like angina or heart attacks, it can also result from conditions affecting the lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, nerves, or even anxiety.

The nature, location, and duration of the pain, along with accompanying symptoms, are critical in identifying its cause. Heart-related chest pain tends to feel like pressure or tightness and may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, or back, while musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal causes often have more localized or positional discomfort.

Types of Chest Pain:

  • Cardiac-related chest pain (angina, heart attack): Pressure, squeezing, or tightness, possibly radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back.

  • Musculoskeletal chest pain (e.g., costochondritis): Localized pain, worsens with movement or pressure on the chest.

  • Gastrointestinal chest pain (e.g., acid reflux): Burning sensation, often related to meals or lying down.

  • Pulmonary chest pain (e.g., pulmonary embolism, pneumonia): Sharp pain, worsens with deep breathing or coughing.

  • Anxiety-related chest pain: Tightness or sharp pain often accompanied by rapid heartbeat or dizziness.

Common Causes:

  • Heart conditions (angina, myocardial infarction)

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophageal spasm

  • Pulmonary conditions (pulmonary embolism, pleuritis, pneumonia)

  • Musculoskeletal issues (costochondritis, rib injuries)

  • Anxiety or panic attacks

  • Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining)

Severity Factors:

  • Life-threatening causes include heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms.

  • Non-life-threatening causes (like GERD or muscle strain) can still cause significant discomfort.

  • Associated symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating increase the likelihood of a serious condition.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Sudden, severe, or unexplained chest pain

  • Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, or arms

  • Associated symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or fainting

  • History of heart disease or risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking)

  • Chest pain accompanied by fever or cough with phlegm

  • Pain worsens over time or with exertion

Natural Remedies

Rest and relaxation: Reduce physical exertion and stress, especially if the pain is musculoskeletal or anxiety-related.

Breathing exercises: Deep breathing or paced breathing can help relieve anxiety-related chest discomfort.

Warm compress: Apply heat to the chest for musculoskeletal causes like costochondritis.

Elevate head during sleep: For GERD-related chest pain, sleeping with the head elevated can reduce reflux.

Avoid trigger foods: Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can exacerbate GERD.

Hydration and gentle stretching: Helps relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.