Chest Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Neenu Kurian, Interventional Cardiologist - Written by Jasni Salim - Updated on 30/01/2025

Chest pain occurs frequently and varies from light discomfort to extreme agony. Understanding its causes is crucial, and it's important to detect signs of a more serious condition like heart problems. Both men and women experience chest pain, but the symptoms can differ slightly. This article will delve into chest pain symptoms and potential reasons for them, accompanied by accessible treatments.

What is Chest Pain?

The term 'chest pain' encompasses discomfort or distress located in the chest. Its intensity and characteristics can differ from a sharp pain to a more intense pressure or ache. Chest pain frequently links to cardiovascular issues but can result from problems in the lungs, muscles, oesophagus, or ribs too.

Chest pain often points to serious ailments that call for prompt care. Symptoms can arise from less serious conditions like stomach discomfort or muscular tension. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is crucial for identifying the root cause and suitable therapy.

Symptoms of Chest Pain

Chest pain symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Sometimes, the pain is sharp and localized, while in other cases, it may feel more like a dull ache. Common symptoms include:

Sharp or dull pain: Pain intensity and nature can change. Some may perceive the ache as a piercing sensation, whereas others report feeling a squeezing pressure.
Pain radiating to other areas: Sometimes, chest pain may spread to the arms, neck, back, or jaw, suggesting a heart issue.
Shortness of breath: Trouble breathing often goes hand in hand with chest pain and points to an urgent condition.
Sweating and nausea: The presence of these symptoms combined with chest pain may be troubling and should prompt immediate medical help.
Fatigue and dizziness: Chest pain coupled with fatigue or weakness might indicate a heart problem.

Causes of Chest Pain

There are many potential causes of chest pain, ranging from minor issues to life-threatening conditions. Here are some common causes, including heart-related problems, respiratory issues, digestive disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Heart-Related Causes

Heart attack: The loss of blood flow to the heart triggers a heart attack and results in severe chest pain. Chest pain often describes a feeling of tightness or pressure and can spread to the left side of the body.
Angina: Angina is a symptom of poor blood supply to the heart muscle. It might resemble tightness or pressure and often happens when exercising intensely.
Pericarditis: Sharp stabbing pain may result from inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. Pain intensifies during heavy breathing or lying down.

Lung-Related Causes

Pneumonia: Painful sensations in the chest arise from lung infections that intensify when the person inhales or raises their voice.
Pulmonary embolism: An obstruction in the lungs can lead to rapid and severe chest pain, often accompanied by shortness of breath.
Pleuritis: Pain that intensifies with breathing can develop from inflammation in the chest cavity.

Gastrointestinal Causes

Acid reflux: Heartburn is also referred to as acid reflux, and it occurs when stomach acid returns to the esophagus leading to chest discomfort.
Esophageal spasms: Spasms in the esophagus's muscles can create discomfort that might mimic heart pain.
Gallbladder issues: Difficulties in the gallbladder can result in pain originating in the upper abdomen and traveling to the chest.

Musculoskeletal Causes

Rib injury: Ribs that are broken or injured may lead to agony particularly while breathing deeply or moving.
Muscle strain: Overextension of the chest muscles can result in pain and discomfort.
Costochondritis: Localized pain can arise due to inflammation of the cartilage that holds the ribs in place.

Chest Pain in Women

Chest pain in women can sometimes present differently than in men, particularly when it comes to heart-related issues. While men may experience intense chest pain during a heart attack, women often report more subtle symptoms, such as:

Pain in the back, neck, or jaw: Many women do not experience sharp chest pain like in a heart attack; instead, they might sense pain or discomfort in these regions.
Fatigue and indigestion: Extreme exhaustion or indigestion can affect women before or during a heart attack.
Shortness of breath: Breathing difficulties alone may indicate cardiovascular problems for women.

Treatment for Chest Pain

The treatment for chest pain depends on the underlying cause. Emergency care is required when the pain is linked to a heart issue. Here are some common treatments:

Medications: Aspirin, nitroglycerin, and thrombolytics may assist in treating heart chest pain by enhancing blood circulation or dissolving blood clots.
Surgical Procedures: In severely blocked arteries, angioplasty and bypass surgery are employed to ensure and restore proper blood flow.
Lifestyle Changes: Changes such as a nutritious diet and physical activity can ease and prevent certain types of chest pain.

Conclusion

A variety of factors can lead to chest pain which includes both minor muscle pulls and serious heart conditions. Recognizing the different types of chest pain symptoms is vital to receive prompt care. If you experience unexplained heart pain or persistent chest pain left side, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.

With advanced diagnostic resources and medical solutions in place at EMC Hospital, the team effectively tackles chest pain. Depending on the level of pain or urgent need, the hospital's focus on patient welfare brings forth the most favorable results. Visit EMC Hospital for evaluation and care if you feel chest pain or other worrying signs.