Most of the times, chest pain or tightness is actually not a sign of a heart attack. It will more common occur due to excess gas, anxiety or muscle fatigue.
However, this type of pain is still an important sign of a heart attack, especially if you have a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure or high cholesterol. With a heart attack, chest pain or tightness tends to become progressively worse and it usually radiates to the neck or arms. Other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, general malaise, cold sweats and dizziness may also be present.
Chest pain can occur for a number of reasons, and therefore it’s very important to go to the hospital or call for medical assistance if your pain lasts more than 20 minutes or if it worsens overtime, especially when there are other symptoms.
See the main causes for chest pain below so that you can identify its origin and know what to do:
1. Excess gas
Excess gas is possibly the most common cause for a sharp pain in the left side of the chest region, particularly in people who suffer from chronic constipation. This happens because accumulation of gas in the intestines can push up and dislocate some abdominal organs, causing a type of sharp pain that radiates through the chest.
How to identify: This type of pain is usually intermittent, it is often very sharp pain and then disappears. This can happen repeatedly, and can particularly happen when you bend down to pick-up something from the floor.
What to do: A good strategy to relieve this type of pain is to massage the abdominal area, starting from the right side and moving to the left, and then moving down to the groin region. This will help to distribute any accumulated gas. Another way to release trapped gas is to lay down on your back, with your knees bent up to your chest. Additionally, engaging in light activity like walking for a few minutes may also help.
2. Stress and anxiety
Anxiety and excess stress can cause an increase in muscle tension around the ribs, and result in an increased heart rate. This combination causes a sensation of chest tightness which can happen even if the person does not feel stressed. Chest tightness can occur, for example, following an argument or stressful situation. Chest discomfort related to stress commonly happens in people who suffer from panic attacks or anxiety disorders.
How to identify: It usually occurs with other symptoms such as fast breathing, sweating, fast heart rate, nausea and bowel problems.
What to do: Try to rest in a quiet place, drink a calming tea (like valerian or chamomile), or engage in a leisurely activity, such as watching a movie, playing a game or gardening. If the chest tightness does not improve after 30-60 minutes, or if it worsens, you should seek medical assistance.
3. Heart attack
Even though this is the first concern of anyone who has chest pain, heart attack is actually the least common cause. Chest pain related to a heart attack will be more frequent in those over the age of 45 or those with a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking.
How to identify: Chest pain caused by a heart attack is usually very strong and does not improve after 15-20 minutes. It typically radiates to the arms or jaw, causing a tingling sensation. Other symptoms include dizziness, difficulty breathing, a tingling sensation in the arms and legs, and general malaise.
What to do: If you suspect of a heart attack, proceed immediately to the hospital or dial 911. Your heart functioning will be assessed through an ECG, bloodwork and an x-ray.
4. Sore muscles
Having sore muscles is very common, especially after engaging in sports or working out at the gym. You can also experience soreness after simple occurrences like heavy coughing or lifting a heavy object. In addition, excess muscle contraction can occur during stressful or frightening situations, and this can result in muscle soreness and inflammation.
How to identify: This type of chest pain usually gets worse when taking deep breaths, but it also worsens with specific movements, like turning your body around to look behind you.
What to do: A good way of alleviating muscle sores is to rest and to apply warm compresses to affected regions. Stretching your chest muscles may also help. You can stretch your chest by placing your arms stretched behind you and holding your hands together.
5. Acid reflux (GERD)
People who suffer from acid reflux (GERD) and do not follow the appropriate, indicated diet have a higher probability of experiencing frequent chest pain. This type of pain is usually a result of esophageal inflammation that happens when stomach acid reaches the walls of the esophagus.
How to identify it: In most cases, this chest pain that starts in the middle of the chest. A burning sensation and stomach pain are also often felt. and you may experience a mild tightening sensation, particularly in the upper chest region and in the throat, which happens due to spasms in the esophagus.
What to do: Drink chamomile or ginger tea, as this improves digestion and decreases stomach acidity, which help to reduce inflammation in the esophagus. In addition, you can take an antacid or reflux medication. When you are not actively experiencing a reflux attack, you should try to maintain light diet, avoiding fatty or spicy foods. Learn about other natural remedies you can try to alleviate your reflux symptoms.
6. Stomach ulcers
Chest pain related to stomach ulcers occurs due to inflammation of the stomach lining. This type of pain can easily be mistaken as heart-related pain, due to the proximity of the stomach and the heart.
How to identify: This chest pain is localized to the middle of the chest, but that can radiate to the right side of the chest, depending on the location of the ulcer. In addition, pain will more commonly occur following meals, and can be accompanied by bloating, nausea and vomiting.
What to do: If you suspect you have a stomach ulcer, you are advised to see your doctor or gastroenterologist. If a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment as indicated will be initiated. Treatment may include use of medication (e.g. omeprazole) and dietary changes. While you wait for assessment, you can try relieving your symptoms by drinking potato juice, which is a great natural remedy to reduce stomach inflammation. Learn about other home remedies you can try to reduce acid-related chest pain.
7. Gallbladder problems
The gallbladder is a small organ located to the right side of the stomach. It can become inflamed due to the presence of stones or excess fat consumption. When the gallbladder becomes swollen, pain is typically felt on the right side of the chest, but it can radiate to the heart, and seem like a heart attack.
How to identify: This pain mainly affects the right side of the chest and it gets worse after eating (especially after consuming fatty foods, such as fried or processed foods). In addition, you may also experience intense nausea and bloating.
What to do: Try avoiding fatty foods and drink plenty of water. If pain still persists, or gets worse over time, you are advised to see your doctor or proceed to the hospital if the pain is very severe.
8. Respiratory problems
Interestingly, chest pain is more commonly related to respiratory problems (link bronchitis, asthma, or an infection) as opposed to heart problems. Because a part of the lungs is located in the thorax and behind the heart, pain from some respiratory problems can feel like heart pain, even when it isn’t.
How to identify it: You may feel chest pain when coughing or even while breathing, especially when taking a deep breath. You may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or have a persistent cough.
What to do: If you suspect you have a respiratory problem, you should see your family doctor for assessment. He or she will try to identify the cause and will indicate treatment as appropriate.
9. Heart conditions
Various heart conditions can cause chest pain, especially angina or arrhythmia. Heart-related chest pain will often occur with other symptoms like fatigue, difficulty breathing or palpitations.
How to identify it: Chest pain or tightness that occurs due to a heart problem may also occur with palpitations, swelling, fatigue, and shallow breathing.
What to do: You should consult your doctor for assessment. He or she will likely order testing to evaluate your heart function. If a cardiac condition is identified, your doctor will recommend adequate treatment and this should help with resolving your chest pain. Learn more about the symptoms commonly associated with a heart attack.
When to go to the hospital
It’s important to seek medical attention when chest pain occurs for longer than 20 minutes or becomes progressively worse. In addition, there are some other symptoms that indicate when you should seek medical attention. These include:
- Dizziness;
- Cold sweats;
- Vomiting and nausea;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Intense headache.
Learn more about chest pain that is localized more to the left side of the chest and to the right side.
