It is always best to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any form of chest pain to rule out serious conditions.
Understanding the various causes of chest pain can help you recognize when it might be a non-heart-related issue
Chest pain is often associated with heart problems, which can be serious. However, there are many instances where chest pain is not related to the heart. In this article, we’ll explore several non-heart-related causes of chest pain. Understanding the characteristics of heart-related pain is crucial before delving into other potential causes, as heart conditions can be life-threatening.
Identifying Heart-Related Pain:
According to Dr. C. Raghu, Clinical Director & Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, heart-related chest pain can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Pressure, fullness, burning, or tightness in the chest
- Crushing or searing pain that radiates to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and arms
- Pain lasting more than a few minutes, worsening with activity, or varying in intensity
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness
- Racing heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
If chest pain is accompanied by the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Non-Heart-Related Chest Pain:
Dr Raghu states if the following symptoms are present, the chest pain is likely not related to the heart:
- Sour taste or sensation of food reentering the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain that changes with body position
- Pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- Pain when pressing on the chest
- Pain that persists for many hours
1. Heartburn: Heartburn occurs when excess stomach acid flows into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation beneath the breastbone. This pain is often associated with acid reflux and can be relieved by eating or drinking cold items.
2. Lung Infection or Airway Obstruction: Chest pain caused by lung infections or airway obstructions is usually accompanied by breathlessness, fever, or wheezing sounds. These symptoms tend to worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
3. Costochondritis: Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs join the breastbone. This condition causes localized chest pain that is aggravated by touch.
4. Panic Attacks: Panic attacks can mimic heart attack symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and a fear of dying. Given the similarities, it’s advisable to seek professional advice to differentiate between the two.
5. Shingles: Shingles is a viral infection that causes intense pain and a band of blisters from the back around to the chest area. This condition can lead to severe discomfort and should be treated by a healthcare provider.
Understanding the various causes of chest pain can help you recognize when it might be a non-heart-related issue. However, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any form of chest pain to rule out serious conditions.