What could cause chest pain?
1. Heart attack
Chest pain is one of the
- pain in the jaw, neck or back
- lightheadedness or weakness
- pain in the arms or shoulders
- shortness of breath
Females particularly may also experience sudden tiredness, nausea, or vomiting.
If someone thinks they are having a heart attack, they should seek emergency medical help. The quicker a person can get to ER, the quicker treatment can begin.
Getting prompt treatment increases a person’s chances of survival and potentially reduces the severity of the damage to the heart.
How do you recognize the signs of a heart attack?
2. Myocarditis
Myocarditis is when the heart becomes inflamed, resulting in symptoms that are similar to a heart attack, such as:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- fast or irregular heartbeat
Myocarditis usually results from a viral infection, according to the
What is an inflamed heart?
3. Angina
Angina feels like a squeezing pain or pressure on the chest. It
- shoulder
- back
- neck
- arms
- jaw
Angina can feel like indigestion.
It is a symptom of coronary artery disease.
4. Aortic aneurism and dissection
Aortic dissection is a tear or separation of the inner layers of the aorta, the main artery that leads from the heart. This can lead to a buildup of blood in the artery.
An aortic aneurysm refers to an enlargement in the aorta.
Aortic dissection and a severe aortic aneurysm are emergencies and require immediate medical help.
A stable aortic aneurysm may not need emergency treatment.
5. Coronary artery dissection
Coronary artery dissection is when tearing occurs in the coronary artery wall. If the innermost layer tears, blood can seep through and build up, causing a bulge. It can lead to a heart attack.
Sudden intense pain that appears to “tear” across the chest, neck, back, or abdomen can be a symptom of coronary artery dissection.
This is a rare but serious condition. The
6. Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac around the heart.
It can
- severe chest pain behind the breast bone
- a buildup of fluid around the heart
- cardiac tamponade, when fluid presses on the heart
- obstructive shock, when the heart
cannot fill with blood effectively
Pain may be worse when a person breathes in or is lying down but improves when they sit up or lean forward.
It usually results from a viral infection, but there are many other possible causes.
7. Mitral valve prolapse
A mitral valve prolapse is when a valve in the heart is unable to close fully. In mild cases, this condition may have no obvious symptoms.
If symptoms occur, they
- rapid heartbeat
- chest discomfort
- fatigue
8. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is when the heart grows too thick due to
Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- chest pain
- changes in heart rhythm
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, and abdomen
A person who notices this should seek medical advice, as it can worsen over time and lead to other complications, such as blood clots and heart failure.
Various lung problems can cause chest pain.
9. Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs. In some cases, this may result in chest pain.
It can happen for various reasons and can
- breathlessness and faintness when exercising
- shortness of breath when bending down
- fatigue
- swelling due to fluid buildup
Pulmonary hypertension is not usually immediately life threatening, but it does need medical attention.
10. Pleurisy
Pleurisy is inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs.
Symptoms
- chest or shoulder pain
- pain is worse when breathing, coughing, sneezing, or moving the trunk or chest wall
- pain may be dull, aching, or “catching”
Without treatment, it can lead to life threatening complications.
How can pleurisy affect the upper back?
11. Pneumonia
Lung infections such as pneumonia can cause sharp or stabbing chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing.
Other symptoms of pneumonia include:
- fever, sweating, and chills
- coughing up phlegm, which may be green, yellow, or contain blood
- shortness of breath
- bluish tinge to the lips or fingetips
- rapid, shallow breathing
- low appetite, low energy, and fatigue
- nausea and vomiting (in young children)
- confusion (in older people)
A person with breathing difficulty needs immediate medical attention, as pneumonia can be life threatening.
Find out more about bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia.
12. Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot gets trapped in an artery feeding blood to the lungs.
Common symptoms include:
- chest pain, especially when breathing in
- back pain
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- leg pain or swelling
- sweating
- lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- blue tinge to lips or nails, known as hypoxia
Pulmonary embolisms can be life threatening without urgent treatment.
What is the risk of a pulmonary embolism after surgery?
13. COVID-19
A person with COVID-19 may experience respiratory symptoms, pain, or pressure in the chest.
A person should seek immediate medical help if
- persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- breathing difficulty
- blue lips or nails
- new confusion
- difficulty staying awake
How does COVID-19 affect the lungs?
14. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs.
It
- chest pain
- a bad cough which may produce blood or sputum
- weight loss
- a fever and night sweats
In the past, TB was nearly always fatal. Nowadays, antibiotics can usually treat it successfully.
What is pulmonary tuberculosis?
15. Asthma
Asthma is a common breathing disorder characterized by inflammation in the airways, which
Other symptoms include:
- tightness in the chest
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- wheezing
What is severe asthma?
16. Collapsed lung
When air builds up in the space between the lungs and ribs, leading to a collapsed lung, also known as pneumothorax.
Some people have no symptoms, but the following
- chest pain, which may radiate to the shoulder
- discomfort when breathing
- faster breathing rate
- shortness of breath
- swelling on one side of the chest
- reduced breathing sounds
A punctured lung is another cause of pneumothorax.
The following conditions affect organs that play a role in digestion. Chest pain can be a symptom.
17. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis
A person
- upper abdominal pain which may begin suddenly or slowly, be mild or severe, and last several days
- swollen or tender abdomen
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
- pain that radiates to the back
If a person notices these symptoms for the first time, they should seek medical help at once.
What is the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
18. Esophageal spasms
Esophageal contraction disorders are spasms or contractions in the food pipe.
Symptoms
- chest pain
- difficulty swallowing
- regurgitation
- heartburn
These disorders can also cause chest pain.
How do you treat esophageal spasms?
19. Esophageal hypersensitivity
In a person with esophageal hypersensitivity, sensations that are not usually painful
Experts do not know exactly why this happens, but cells in the gullet may be particularly sensitive to acid. Stress may trigger symptoms in people who are susceptible.
20. Esophageal rupture
If the food pipe bursts, this can result in sudden, intense chest pain. An esophageal rupture may occur after a procedure involving the esophagus or a traumatic injury.
Other possible symptoms
- retching and vomiting
- a crackling sound on touching the chest
- shortness of breath or rapid breathing
21. Peptic ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach lining.
They
- pain in the abdomen or upper abdomen after eating
- bloating
- nausea
- vomiting, possibly with blood
They do not usually cause intense pain but can result in a recurring discomfort in the chest.
What are some natural remedies for peptic ulcers?
22. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD refers to when the contents of the stomach move back up into the throat.
It can
- chest pain
- regurgitation
- nausea and vomiting
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- a cough, hoarseness, or other symptoms in the throat
Over-the-counter antacids can often relieve GERD.
What is the best diet for a person with GERD?
Here are some other reasons chest pain might occur.
23. Panic attack
A panic attack is a sudden attack of panic or fear. Often a person does not know why it happens, but it may be a symptom of a condition known as panic disorder.
The individual may experience:
- chest pain
- a rapid heartbeat
- fear
- nausea
- dizziness
- sweating
- shaking and trembling
The symptoms can resemble those of a heart attack.
A doctor may prescribe drugs, counseling, or both to help manage panic disorder.
How can you help someone who is having a panic attack?
24. Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest. This type of hernia is common and may not cause any symptoms.
However, if the top of the stomach pushes into the lower part of the chest after eating, it can cause symptoms of GERD.
These include:
- chest pain
- reflux
- heartburn
In some cases, a hiatal hernia may need surgery.
How do surgeons repair a hernia?
25. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage. It can cause pain and tenderness in the chest. The pain may start suddenly.
Costochondritis pain may get worse when:
- lying down
- doing exercise
- breathing deeply
- coughing or sneezing
26. Muscle strain
Inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the ribs can result in persistent chest pain. If the pain becomes worse with activity, then it may be a symptom of a muscle strain.
Learn more here about a pulled muscle in the chest.
27. Injured ribs
Injuries to the ribs, such as bruises, breaks, and fractures, can cause chest pain. A person may have heard a crack or felt extreme pain at the time of injury if they have a broken rib.
A person with a fractured rib
- pain or discomfort in the chest or back
- an inability to breathe in deeply
- unusual movement in the chest wall
It is always best to contact a doctor if chest pain comes on suddenly, especially if taking anti-inflammatory medications does not ease symptoms.
A person should seek emergency medical help if they have:
- pain that spreads to the arms, back, neck, or jaw
- tightness or heaviness in the chest
- pain that started with nausea, vomiting, sweating
- difficulty breathing or changes in breathing rate
- blue lips or nail beds
- severe pain that lasts longer than 15 minutes
- confusion
In some cases, chest pain can be life threatening. For this reason, a person should not ignore it.
Here are the answers to some questions people often ask about chest pain.
How do I know if chest pain is serious?
Pain that is severe or feels like it is squeezing the chest could be a sign of a heart attack. Breathing difficulty is another sign of chest pain that could be serious. People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical help.
Why am I having pain in my chest?
Chest pain can occur for many reasons, ranging from muscle strain to a heart attack. It is best to seek medical advice for any type of chest pain, as some causes can have severe consequences.
What does chest pain feel like?
This will depend on the cause. Pain that is heavy, squeezing, or radiating pain may be a sign of a heart problem. If there is reflux and difficulty swallowing, it could be due to a gastrointestinal problem. Breathing difficulty may indicate a broken rib, a heart condition, or a lung complaint.
Chest pain can happen for many reasons. Often, the other signs that occur with it will give an idea of why chest pain occurs.
However, any severe chest pain needs urgent medical attention, especially if it is radiating to the arm, back, or neck, if the heart rate changes, or if the person has trouble breathing.
Anyone with concerns about chest pain should seek medical advice to rule out life threatening causes and obtain suitable treatment.
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