Chest pain is a distressing symptom that often triggers fears of a heart attack or other serious conditions. However, most causes of chest pain are less severe than others. It is important to know the different causes of chest pain, recognize symptoms, and when to see a doctor for someone who suffers from this type of pain.
We will discuss and write about chest pain in extensive detail, focusing on the causes, types, and what you can do in case it strikes. This blog includes lesser-known facts about chest pain to provide a deeper understanding of this common yet complex symptoms.
Chest Pain
Various conditions affecting the heart, muscles, or digestive system can cause chest pain. Some chest pains are relatively benign, like the discomfort due to indigestion, while others may signal a more serious underlying issue, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.Also read: How To Reduce Chances Of Heart Attack?
Common and Uncommon Causes of Chest Pain
There are many causes of chest pain, which should be qualified by the fact that not all chest pain is heart-related. Here are some of the most common and lesser-known chest pain causes:Heart-related Causes
- Angina: A type of chest pain caused by limited blood flow to the heart muscle, often brought on by physical exertion or stress.
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Most often, this causes a sharp, severe chest pain, usually of a crushing or squeezing type. It results from obstruction of blood flow to the heart muscle by a blood clot.
- Pericarditis: This is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart- the pericardium resulting in sharp, stabbing chest pain when taking deep breaths.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the large artery carrying blood from the heart, can cause sudden, severe chest pain.
Non-heart-related Causes
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can lead to chest discomfort, often mimicking heart-related pain. People often experience GERD after eating spicy or fatty foods.
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Muscle strain, rib fractures, or costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs) can cause localized, sharp, or aching chest pain.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs causes sudden, sharp chest pain and frequently is associated with shortness of breath or coughing up blood.
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Sudden onset of chest pain that feels sharp and is accompanied by difficulty breathing. This might be a collapsed lung due to air escaping from the lung into the chest.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Emotional stress or panic may cause anxious feelings, rapid heart palpitations, and hyperventilation, creating discomfort in the chest that can mimic so many more serious illnesses.
Uncommon Causes of Chest Pain
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster): An outbreak of shingles on the chest can cause localized, sharp, or burning pain, typically accompanied by a rash. It is rarely confused with heart attack pain.
- Esophageal Spasms: The esophagus can contract, and then relax spasmodically. This can cause sharp, cramp-like chest pain that might be confused with cardiac problems.
- Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, often causing GERD-related chest pain that may mimic heart-related symptoms.
- Costochondritis: An inflammation of the cartilage in the chest wall, especially where the ribs meet the sternum, can cause localized pain to worsen with movement or palpation.
Right Side Chest Pain vs. Left Side Chest Pain
Chest pain can be experienced on either side of the chest, and the location is sometimes an issue for those affected. Here's a breakdown of the differences:Left Side Chest Pain:
- Heart-Related Issues: Left-sided chest pain is more associated with heart problems, like a heart attack or angina. The pain can be accompanied by radiation down the left arm, neck, or jaw and typically feels like pressure, tightness, or heaviness.
- Pain Description: A heart attack or angina can also occur with a dull, crushing, or tight sensation on the left side of the chest. It worsens with exertion and improves with rest for angina.
Right Side Chest Pain:
Right-side chest pain is less commonly linked to heart issues but may indicate lung diseases, digestive disorders, or musculoskeletal conditions.- Lung-related Pain: Pneumonia, pleuritis, or pulmonary embolism may cause sharp stabbing pains often localized on the right side of the chest and are exacerbated with breathing or coughing.
- Gastrointestinal Causes: Gallstones or acid reflux could also cause chest pains usually near the right side of the chest; hence, they present as though it's a case of a heart attack.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you are having chest pain, you should evaluate the symptoms and decide what you should do. Here's some general guidance.Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Seek medical help right away if you have any of the following with your chest pain:- Pain in the arm, jaw, back, or neck that radiates
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
- Sweating heavily, especially when combined with pain.
- Nausea or vomiting associated with chest pain.
- Spontaneous and severe chest pain without any set cause.
Take Aspirin If recommended:
If you suspect a heart attack and it is safe for you to do so (i.e., no allergies or contraindications), chewing aspirin can help thin the blood and reduce the damage to the heart muscle while waiting for emergency services.Rest and Stay Calm:
If the pain is mild and there are no indications of having a heart attack, rest and refrain from any physical activity. Anxiousness worsens chest pain; thus, there is a need to maintain a calm state.Be Aware of the Length and Nature of the Pain:
If the chest pain lasts for more than a few minutes or worsens, it is a clear sign to seek medical help. Similarly, pain that fluctuates between mild and severe should not be ignored.Conclusion
Chest pain can be caused by anything from non-threatening reasons such as muscle strain or acid reflux to life-threatening ones like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Knowing the nature of the pain, its location, and additional symptoms may give you a good idea of how concerned you should be and whether you should head to the hospital right away.When in doubt, always prioritize medical advice. Understanding the causes and severity of chest pain can help reduce anxiety and ensure timely action for better outcomes. So, if you feel some chest pain or are thinking about your heart, don't hesitate to visit one of the best-specialized heart hospitals. The sooner you discover and treat, the less likely other complications will set in for your well-being.
If you or someone you know is experiencing chest pain, contact the Asian Heart Institute immediately for expert evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
