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Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain, chest pain is a cause for concern. Although not all pain means you’re having a serious medical issue, it’s often hard to tell without seeing a doctor. Understanding the different causes of pain and discomfort and the different signs and symptoms can give you some peace of mind and know how to respond. 

What Is Causing Your Chest Pain?

1. Heart 

While you might think heart problems – or more specifically, a heart attack – is the leading cause of chest pain, only about 13% of chest pain-related ER visits are actually due to serious problems related to the heart. In fact, heart attacks are more likely to be marked by discomfort than actual pain.

Still, heart-related chest pain usually means a dull ache or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and pain that extends to the back, arms, neck, and jaw. Heart attacks are just one cause of these symptoms. Other potential causes may be inflammation of the heart or the membranes surrounding it, a blockage of a blood vessel, or an aortic dissection, a tear in the blood vessel leading to the heart. 

2. Lung 

chest painLike the symptoms of heart-related chest pain, signs of a lung problem also require immediate medical attention. Illnesses like pneumonia and viral bronchitis, as well as asthma, blood clots in the lung, and bronchospasm, can cause pain.

A collapsed lung and high blood pressure can also cause discomfort. Lung-related issues are often marked by pain and problems breathing, including increased pain when you breathe in or cough, as well as shortness of breath. 

3. Gastrointestinal 

Chest pain can sometimes be brought on by gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, acid reflux, or gallstones. Sometimes problems with the pancreas can also cause pain. Signs that you have gastrointestinal issues include a sour or acidic taste in your mouth, pain that worsens when you lie down, and pain that only occurs during or after you eat. 

4. Anxiety

In many cases, the symptoms of a panic attack mimic those of a heart attack. Chest pain accompanied by intense feelings of fear or panic, along with dizziness, rapid heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath is often a panic attack. You might also experience an intense fear of dying. 

 

If you have chest pain and other symptoms of a cardiac emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately. For follow-up care, turn to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PAin Bergen County, NJ. With more than 20 years of experience treating a range of cardiac conditions, they’re committed to individualized, compassionate care to keep your heart healthy. Visit their website for more information, or call (201) 845-3535.

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