Tessa Quinn
Chest pain is a common symptom that can have many causes, ranging from minor to severe. It is a common reason for hospitalisation, as it can be a symptom of a heart attack or other serious conditions. Chest pain can be sharp or dull, and it may spread to other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, neck or jaw. While chest pain is often associated with heart attacks, it can also be caused by issues in the lungs, digestive system, or emotional stress and anxiety. It is recommended that individuals experiencing chest pain seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People hospitalized for chest pain in the US annually | 6.5-7.6 million |
| Common causes | Heart issues, lung issues, digestive issues, anxiety, asthma, blood clots, chickenpox, shingles, GERD, muscle strain, pericarditis, angina, coughing, abnormal spine curvature, etc. |
| Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention | Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, jaw pain, radiating pain, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Chest pain and heart attacks
Chest pain is a common symptom of heart attacks and other life-threatening conditions, so it should never be taken lightly. While chest pain can sometimes be harmless, it is always best to seek medical attention to get a diagnosis and any necessary treatment. In the case of a suspected heart attack, calling an ambulance is crucial, as paramedics can perform initial testing and provide life-saving support en route to the hospital.
Chest pain related to heart issues typically includes symptoms such as shortness of breath, discomfort in the belly, shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, and back, nausea, light-headedness, and feelings of indigestion. The pain associated with a heart attack is often described as an unrelenting sensation of pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest, as if something heavy is sitting on it. This pain may spread to other areas of the upper body, including the arms, neck, or jaw. It can be sharp or dull, and it may come on suddenly or develop over a few minutes, getting worse and lasting for at least 10 minutes.
However, not all chest pain is related to heart problems. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic heartburn, is the most common cause of chest pain. Emotional stress and anxiety can also lead to chest tightness or discomfort, and chest pain can also be caused by issues with the lungs, digestive system, or muscles and joints in the chest wall.
If you experience chest pain, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Calling emergency services or visiting an emergency department can provide rapid care and potentially save your life. Paramedics and healthcare providers are trained to perform electrocardiograms (ECGs) and other tests to diagnose heart attacks and other conditions. Even if the cause of chest pain is uncertain, it is crucial to take prompt action to ensure your health and well-being.
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Non-cardiac causes of chest pain
Chest pain is a common symptom of a heart attack and other life-threatening conditions, so it should never be taken lightly. While chest pain is often associated with cardiac issues, it can also be caused by non-cardiac factors. Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is chronic chest pain that feels like it's in the heart, but it isn't. It is usually related to the esophagus, which is located right next to the heart. NCCP affects up to 25% of adults in the U.S., and between 50-75% of chest pain cases presenting to emergency rooms are discharged without a cardiac diagnosis.
Psychological Causes
Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest as chronic chest pain. Psychological stress can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms, and there is a significant crossover between psychological symptoms and symptoms of esophageal hypersensitivity, as well as heartburn. Doctors have speculated that this is due to a disorder of the gut-brain connection. Panic disorder is also common in NCCP patients.
Gastrointestinal Causes
Gastrointestinal issues are a common cause of non-cardiac chest pain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common cause of NCCP. In patients with non-GERD-related NCCP, esophageal motility disorders and functional chest pain (FCP) of presumed esophageal origin are the main underlying mechanisms. Other gastrointestinal causes include tears in the esophagus or stomach, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Respiratory Causes
Respiratory conditions account for 5% of patients experiencing chest pain. Asthma and respiratory infections can cause chest pain. Pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, is a life-threatening condition associated with acute chest pain and shortness of breath.
Musculoskeletal Causes
Musculoskeletal issues are the most common cause of chest pain, referring to the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage that make up the body's structural components. Most musculoskeletal pain can be treated with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Chest pain diagnosis
Chest pain is a common symptom with a wide range of causes, some of which are life-threatening. It is important to seek medical attention to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or other serious conditions, so it should not be taken lightly. If you experience chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or becomes more severe, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
When you call for emergency services due to chest pain, paramedics are often able to perform initial testing in the ambulance en route to the hospital. This includes performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart's rhythm and detect a heart attack. An ECG is a simple, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity through 12 small electrodes placed on the chest, arms, and legs. A six-second recording can be transmitted to the emergency department to help speed up care.
Upon arrival at the emergency room, a triage nurse will assess your condition by asking a series of questions to determine the severity of your chest pain. Be prepared to answer questions about your medications, medical conditions, and family health history. The doctor will then perform a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests and procedures to rule out other conditions and determine the underlying cause of your chest pain.
Chest pain can be challenging to diagnose due to its numerous causes. Healthcare providers typically start by ruling out life-threatening causes first. They may perform a chest X-ray to screen for lung disorders and other causes of chest pain, such as pneumonia and heart failure. Blood tests can also be done to measure cardiac troponin levels, which indicate heart muscle damage. Additionally, an echocardiogram (echo) can be used to evaluate the heart's function and identify problems such as blood clots or damaged heart valves.
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Chest pain treatment
Chest pain is a common symptom with a wide range of causes, some of which are life-threatening. It is important to seek medical attention to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, so it should never be taken lightly. If you experience chest pain that lasts longer than five minutes, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
When you arrive at the emergency room for chest pain, you will typically undergo an evaluation and a series of tests to determine the underlying cause. The triage nurse will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family health history to assess the severity of your condition. If paramedics are dispatched to your location, they may perform initial testing, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart rhythm and detect a heart attack. This involves placing 12 small electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs to record your heart's electrical activity. A preliminary diagnosis can be sent to the emergency room to expedite treatment.
Treatment for chest pain depends on the underlying cause. If a heart attack is causing your chest pain, you will receive emergency treatment, including medication and procedures or surgery to restore blood flow to your heart. Healthcare providers may prescribe fast-acting medications to manage pain and relieve symptoms. These can include nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, which widen and relax blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload and increasing blood flow to the heart muscle. Beta-blockers may also be prescribed to help the heart beat slower and with less force. If lifestyle changes and medications are ineffective, medical procedures may be necessary to treat the underlying condition. For example, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can improve blood flow to the heart, relieve chest pain, and prevent a heart attack.
In cases where chest pain is not related to the heart, treatment options may vary. If your chest pain is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and adopting a healthy diet. They may also suggest medications to prevent blood clots or treat respiratory infections. For lung-related causes of chest pain, some treatments may include medicines or operations, depending on the severity and nature of the condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate course of treatment for your specific condition.
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Chest pain symptoms
Chest pain is a common symptom that can have many causes, some of which are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. It is a common reason for hospitalisation, with around 6.5 to 7.6 million Americans seeking treatment for chest pain in emergency departments each year.
Chest pain can be sharp or dull, tight or achy, and may feel like something is crushing or squeezing your chest. It may also radiate to other areas of the upper body, including the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, back, and upper abdomen. The pain may be unrelenting or come and go, and it can be difficult to diagnose due to its many causes.
Chest pain can also be caused by issues in the lungs, digestive system, or other non-cardiac causes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn is the most common cause of chest pain. Other causes include pericarditis, which is inflammation around the lining of the heart, and pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lung. Chest pain can also be caused by muscle strain due to strenuous activity or coughing, or by abnormal curvature of the spine.
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Frequently asked questions
Seek medical attention immediately, especially if the pain lasts for more than a few minutes or becomes more severe. Call emergency services or visit the nearest emergency department to get urgent treatment.
The symptoms of a heart attack can vary between men and women, but generally include chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and discomfort in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.
Chest pain that isn't heart-related can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), muscle and joint strain in the chest wall, emotional stress or anxiety, or respiratory issues.
Paramedics will often perform initial testing, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), in the ambulance or upon arrival at the hospital. You will then be evaluated by a doctor and may undergo further tests to determine the cause of your chest pain.
Chest pain is a common reason for hospital visits, with around 6.5 to 7.6 million Americans seeking treatment for chest pain in emergency departments annually.
