Chest pain can stem from various issues affecting your heart, lungs, digestive system, or other body parts. The most common cause is often Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as heartburn. However, it's crucial to understand that chest pain can also signal more serious conditions.
Common Causes of Chest Pain:
Several factors can cause chest pain. These include:
- Heart-related problems: A heart attack (lack of blood flow to the heart) and coronary artery disease (CAD, narrowing or blockage in arteries) are serious possibilities. Angina, chest pain due to insufficient oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart muscle, is another important consideration. [Cleveland Clinic, American Heart Association]
- Lung conditions: Pneumonia and other lung infections can cause chest pain. [WebMD, Medical News Today]
- Digestive issues: GERD (heartburn) and indigestion are frequent culprits. [Possible Causes, WebMD, healthdirect]
- Musculoskeletal problems: Muscle strains, rib injuries, and costochondritis (inflammation where ribs meet the breastbone) can also lead to chest pain. [Medical News Today, healthdirect]
- Anxiety and panic attacks: These can manifest as chest pain or discomfort. [Medical News Today]
- Other causes: Aortic dissection (tear in the aorta) is a serious, though less common, cause. [WebMD]
When to Seek Medical Attention:
Chest pain should always be taken seriously. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience:
- Sudden, severe chest pain, especially accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. This could indicate a heart attack. [Cleveland Clinic, Wesley Healthcare]
- Chest pain radiating to your arm, jaw, neck, or back. This is a classic sign of a heart attack. [Cleveland Clinic]
- Chest pain accompanied by dizziness or fainting. [Wesley Healthcare]
Determining the Cause:
Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your chest pain. They will consider your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and may order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, or imaging studies (X-ray, CT scan). [Mayo Clinic, UChicago Medicine]
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a doctor for any health concerns.
