Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common symptom that can be a harmless muscle strain or a sign of a serious health condition, such as a heart attack.
Possible causes
- Problems with muscles or bones, such as strain in the muscles between the ribs.
- Digestive system diseases, such as reflux disease, which causes heartburn.
- Heart-related causes, such as angina (pain during physical effort) or a heart attack.
- Lung-related causes, such as a pulmonary embolism or pneumonia.
- Psychological causes, such as a panic attack.
Should I see a doctor?
If your chest pain is mild, only happens in a certain position, and goes away on its own, you don’t need to rush to the doctor. However, if the pain is severe, feels like squeezing, spreads to your arm, jaw, or back, doesn’t get better with rest, and you also feel short of breath, sick, or have a cold sweat, you must call emergency services immediately at 112. You should also see a doctor if the pain happens regularly during physical activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of chest pain?
Most often, chest pain is caused by issues with the chest muscles, ribs, or spine, which are usually harmless.
How can I tell the difference between a heart attack and muscle strain?
Pain from muscle strain is often sharp, in a specific spot, and changes when you change position or take a deep breath. Heart attack pain is more of a widespread, squeezing, or pressing feeling in the chest that doesn’t change with position or breathing.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
A typical symptom is severe, squeezing pain in the chest, which may spread to the left arm, neck, or jaw. The pain can be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and a cold sweat.
Can heartburn feel like chest pain?
Yes, heartburn from reflux disease can cause a burning pain behind the breastbone that is sometimes hard to tell apart from heart pain. It is usually related to eating or lying down.
When is chest pain definitely dangerous?
Pain is dangerous if it starts suddenly, is very severe, does not go away with rest, and is accompanied by other warning signs like shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or severe weakness.
What does a doctor do for chest pain?
The doctor will listen to your symptoms and perform an examination. The first tests are usually an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests. If needed, further tests may be done, such as an exercise test or a heart ultrasound.
