When most people think about chest pain, they tend to consider heart issues above everything else. In many cases, this might be true, it isn’t quite as cut and dry as that. We’re going to take a look at some of the most common causes of chest pain – and there might be some surprises.
The lungs
It might surprise some people that the lungs can cause chest pain. Cases of pleurisy, pulmonary hypertension and collapsed lung can all result in pain around the chest. With a pulmonary embolism, for example, a blood clot can get trapped in the lung artery which blocks the blood flow to the lung.
The stomach
Most people will suffer from heartburn at some point in their lives. It tends to occur after the consumption of rich foods, or overindulgence. However, in certain cases, it can lead to severe burning sensations. You can also expect chest pain when you have problems with your gall bladder or your pancreas. It causes a great deal of inflammation, which adds pressure to the chest area. Finally, if you are having problems with the tubes in your throat, it can create a very uncomfortable experience when you swallow.
The heart
There are many heart conditions that cause chest pains – and it’s rather unsurprising. But, some are harder to spot than others. You might need ventricular tachycardia treatment, for example. But, if you don’t know you have it, and you are without the correct diagnosis, you could go years without fixing things. Angina is another issue that takes a while to show symptoms. It’s a buildup of plaque in your arteries which narrow your tubes and prevent the blood from moving around in the correct manner. It goes without saying that anyone with heart-related chest pains should see their physician as soon as possible.
Musculoskeletal system
Another area of the body that can cause chest pains is the musculoskeletal system. If you suffer a bad injury around your torso, for example, it can add pressure to your chest area. Any rib damage can cause searing, sharp pains, and limit your movement. Also, arthritic conditions such as fibromyalgia can also cause tension – and pain – around the muscles in the chest. If you suffer from these conditions – or, indeed, have an injury – you can expect to be immobile and in discomfort for some time.
The brain
If you have ever been through a panic or anxiety attack, you might be aware of the feeling of tightness in your chest. In severe incidents, this can feel like your whole ribcage is constricting. There are other symptoms of panic attacks that are the same as a heart attack, too. You can expect a level of dizziness, breathlessness, pins and needles, and shaking. Because of the similarities between this and a heart attack, it can increase levels of panic, making the occurrence worse.
As you can see, there are many conditions that can cause chest pain – and they aren’t just to do with your heart. However, if you experience any of these issues at all – regardless of how often – you should always see a doctor as a matter of urgency.
