Chest pain is a common medical condition that can be caused by multiple problems. When you experience chest pain, you should be evaluated by your healthcare provider to determine its cause. Your health care provider may ask you a few questions about your pain, and then conduct a thorough evaluation of the area.
The most important causes of chest pain include:
Typically, people who have chest pain will notice a sharp or dull pain, pressure, tightness or a squeezing feeling. It can be felt in one or several areas of the chest, including the middle of the chest, upper or left chest, back, arms, jaw or neck. The pain can be worsened by activity, and it is often improved with rest.
If you are experiencing chest pain that is new, severe, or worrisome, you should call your local emergency medical services (EMS) immediately. They are trained to respond rapidly and will take you to a hospital where you can receive treatment as quickly as possible.
Non-cardiac chest pain symptoms
Most patients with non-cardiac chest pain are healthy, have no history of heart disease, and have no other risk factors for a heart attack. However, the cause of their non-cardiac chest pain is unknown.
The most common cause of non-cardiac chest pain is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the stomach’s acid flows back up the esophagus, which can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation of food or a feeling of discomfort.
Symptoms of GERD can also be associated with chronic cough, wheezing, asthma, and trouble swallowing. Depending on the underlying cause, certain treatments can be effective for treating GERD and its symptoms, such as taking medications to reduce the amount of acid or bile in your body.
Other GI disorders that can cause pain in the chest are ulcers of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine; inflammation of the esophagus (eosinophilic esophagitis); or abnormal esophageal tissue. Some other conditions that can cause non-cardiac chest pain are shingles, herpes zoster or rashes, herniated discs or arthritis in the chest or neck.
Psychological problems, such as panic disorder or depression can also cause chest pain. These conditions often cause a person to breathe very fast, called hyperventilation.
Musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia can also cause pain in the chest. These conditions can cause a painful band-like pain that moves from the chest to the shoulders, arms, neck or jaw.
Lung-related diseases such as pneumonia, pleurisy or pulmonary embolism can also cause chest pain. This can occur because of an infection of the lungs, or because of inflammation of the lining of the lungs.
Gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease can also cause pain in the chest. These can cause a sour or bitter taste in your mouth, difficulty swallowing and pain when you breathe.
If your healthcare provider suspects that your chest pain is not due to a heart problem, they will refer you to a cardiologist or a gastroenterologist. They will use a variety of tests to determine the cause of your pain. Besides a physical exam, they might order a series of diagnostic tests, such as a PH study, an esophageal motility test or an upper endoscopy. They will also ask you about your stress and emotional factors.
