Chest pain is a common symptom that can have many different causes. It is important to take chest pain seriously and not ignore it. Depending on the cause, chest pain may be a sign of a serious medical condition like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Causes of Chest Pain
Chest pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Heart attack: Chest pain caused by a heart attack is usually a sharp, crushing sensation that radiates to the arms, neck, or jaw. It is often accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness.
- Pulmonary embolism: Chest pain caused by a pulmonary embolism is usually sudden and sharp and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, and coughing up blood.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Chest pain can be caused by gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux, ulcers, or gallstones. This type of chest pain is usually dull and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
- Musculoskeletal pain: Chest pain can also be caused by musculoskeletal issues like costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs. This type of chest pain is usually sharp and localized to the chest wall.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest tightness
- Nausea
If the chest pain is not accompanied by any of these symptoms, but is still concerning, it is best to call your doctor or visit an urgent care center. Your doctor may order tests, such as an electrocardiogram, to help determine the cause of the chest pain.