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Chest painDefinition Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen. Considerations Many people with chest pain fear a heart attack. However, there are many possible causes of chest pain. Some causes are mildly inconvenient, while other causes are serious, even life-threatening. Any organ or tissue in your chest can be the source of pain, including your heart, lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, tendons, or nerves. Angina is a type of heart-related chest pain. This pain occurs because your heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen. Angina pain can be similar to the pain of a heart attack. Angina is called stable angina when your chest pain begins at a predictable level of activity. (For example, when you walk up a steep hill.) However, if your chest pain happens unexpectedly after light activity or occurs at rest, this is called unstable angina. This is a more dangerous form of angina and you need to be seen in an emergency room right away. Common Causes Other causes of chest pain include:
Chest pain can also be related to problems with your digestive system. These include stomach ulcer, gallbladder disease, gallstones, indigestion, heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux (when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus). Ulcer pain burns if your stomach is empty and feels better with food. Gallbladder pain often gets worse after a meal, especially a fatty meal. In children, most chest pain is not caused by the heart. Home Care If injury, over-exertion, or coughing have caused muscle strain, your chest wall is often tender or painful when you press a finger at the location of the pain. This can often be treated at home. Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen, ice, heat, and rest. If you know you have asthma or angina, follow the instructions of your doctor and take your medications regularly to avoid flare-ups. Call your health care provider if Call 911 if:
Know that your risk of heart attack is greater if you have a family history of heart disease, you smoke or use cocaine, or you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Call your doctor if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Emergency measures will be taken, if necessary. Hospitalization will be required in difficult or serious cases or when the cause of the pain is unclear. The doctor will perform a physical examination and monitor your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure). The physical examination will focus on the chest wall, lungs, and heart. Your doctor may ask questions like the following:
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
More complex tests may be required depending on the difficulty of diagnosis or the suspected cause of the chest pain. Prevention Make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent chest pain from heart disease:
References Hong SN, Rhee PL, Kim JH et al. Does this patient have oesophageal motility abnormality or pathological acid reflux? Dig Liver Dis. 2005; 37(7):475-484. Page Content: Chest tightness or pressure; Chest discomfort ; chest discomfort; mild chest discomfort; anxiety and chest discomfort; discomfort left side chest |
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