Various Causes of Chest Pain and How to Tell Them Apart

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Table of Contents


1. Introduction to Chest Pain

Chest pain is a common symptom that can be frightening as it is often associated with heart problems. However, it's important to know that chest pain can arise from a variety of causes, some of which are not life-threatening. Understanding the different potential causes and how to differentiate them can help you determine when to seek medical attention.

These are often the most concerning causes of chest pain:(Healthline)

  • Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Usually feels like a squeezing pressure, tightness, pain, or a crushing sensation, often radiating to the arm, jaw, neck, or back. May be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness. 
  • Angina: Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Often described as pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest. Can be triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest or medication. 
  • Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, often causing sharp, stabbing pain that may worsen with breathing or lying down. 
  • Aortic Dissection: A serious condition involving a tear in the wall of the aorta, causing sudden, severe chest pain that may extend to the back. 



Problems with your lungs or airways can also lead to chest pain:

  • Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining of the lungs, causing sharp pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing. 
  • Pneumonia: A lung infection that can cause chest pain, often accompanied by cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. 
  • Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs, causing sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough. 
  • Asthma: Narrowing of the airways can cause chest tightness, pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath. 
  • Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing sudden, sharp chest pain and shortness of breath. 


Several digestive issues can manifest as chest pain:

  • Heartburn: A burning sensation behind the breastbone, often caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. May worsen after eating or when lying down. 
  • Esophageal Spasms: Painful contractions of the muscles in the esophagus, which can feel like squeezing chest pain.
  • Hiatal Hernia: Occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, potentially causing chest pain. 
  • Gallstones: Although typically causing upper abdominal pain, pain can sometimes radiate to the chest. 



5. Musculoskeletal Causes of Chest Pain

Pain originating from muscles, bones, or nerves in the chest area can also cause chest pain:

  • Muscle Strain: Straining the chest muscles through exercise or injury can cause localized pain that worsens with movement or pressure. (Medical News Today)
  • Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone, causing tenderness and pain in the chest wall. 
  • Rib Injury: A fractured or bruised rib can cause sharp pain that is aggravated by breathing or movement. 
  • Shingles: A viral infection that can cause a painful rash, often with burning or stabbing pain in the chest area. (Healthline)


6. Other Potential Causes of Chest Pain

Less common causes of chest pain can include:

  • Panic Attack: Sudden feelings of intense fear or anxiety can trigger chest pain, often accompanied by rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. (Medical News Today)
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse: A condition where one of the heart valves doesn't close properly, sometimes causing chest pain or discomfort. 


7. Differentiating Between Chest Pain Causes

While it can be difficult to self-diagnose the cause of chest pain, here are some general differences:

  • Heart attack pain is often severe, feels like pressure or squeezing, and may spread to other areas.
  • Heartburn usually causes a burning sensation that may be related to eating. (Medical News Today)
  • Lung-related pain may worsen with breathing or coughing.
  • Musculoskeletal pain is often localized and may be tender to the touch.
  • Panic attack pain is often sudden and accompanied by other anxiety symptoms.



8. When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe chest pain.
  • Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath.
  • Chest pain radiating to your arm, jaw, neck, or back.
  • Sweating, dizziness, or nausea along with chest pain.
  • Any chest pain that is concerning or doesn't go away.


9. Conclusion

Chest pain can be a symptom of many different conditions, ranging from mild to life-threatening. It's crucial to be aware of the various potential causes and to seek prompt medical attention if you experience concerning chest pain. Never hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for any chest pain you are unsure about.


10. References