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Chest Pain: 11 Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options
Chest pain may indicate a number of health conditions.
Heart AttackCoronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when blood flow to the arteries is compromised by a narrowing and hardening of the arteries, can cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack), and chest pain is one of many potential symptoms of this medical event. "Chest discomfort due to CAD is usually diffuse (widespread) and difficult to localize," explains Dr. Jean. "It's also worse with exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest."
PericarditisPericarditis occurs when the pericardium, a two-layer structure of tissue that surrounds and protects the heart, becomes inflamed due to an infection, a heart attack, certain medications, heart surgery or an injury or medical condition. The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it function appropriately, and if it becomes inflamed, it may rub against the heart.
Pericarditis commonly causes chest pain similar to that of a heart attack, says Alexandra Kharazi, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at CVTS Medical Group Inc. In San Diego and author of The Heart of Fear, a book about her experiences as a surgeon.
AnginaAngina occurs when the heart isn't getting the blood volume it needs, often resulting in chest discomfort or pain. As well as feeling pain in the chest, some people with angina experience pain in other parts of the body, such as the shoulder, neck, jaw, arms or back, as well as sensations like pressure or squeezing in the chest similar to indigestion. Angina becomes serious when symptoms don't dissipate when a person is resting, an indication that they need urgent care.
Aortic Dissection or RuptureAn aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the wall of the aorta, the heart's main artery, gets bigger. As the tear grows, blood starts to flow between the layers of the wall of the blood vessel. The tear can also inhibit blood flow to important branches of the aorta, potentially leading to additional symptoms like stroke, abdominal pain or leg pain and weakness, according to experts. Chest pain experienced during an aortic dissection or rupture is usually sharp and sudden and may have a stabbing or ripping quality. The discomfort usually occurs below a person's breast bone initially but often moves into the back or shoulder blades.
Heart Valve DiseaseHeart valve disease occurs when the valves in the heart stop working properly because they're damaged or because of an underlying health condition. While many people with heart valve disease don't experience symptoms, some may experience chest pain and heart palpitations, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness and shortness of breath.
Pulmonary EmbolismA pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot from another part of the body breaks loose and enters the lungs, where it blocks blood flow and inhibits oxygen flow through the body. Chest pain caused by a pulmonary embolism can mimic that of a heart attack, and the condition can be fatal. Certain populations are at a higher risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, including anyone with a prior history of the condition, people who are inactive for long periods of time and those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, COVID-19, lupus, interstitial lung disease and some cancers. Smoking, pregnancy, and medications containing estrogen can also increase a person's risk.
Gastroesophageal RefluxGastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GER, occurs when the contents of a person's stomach rise into their throat, causing heartburn and indigestion that may manifest as chest pain. Acid reflux is usually temporary but may become gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition.
AsthmaAsthma is a disease that causes intermittent airway inflammation, potentially leading to chest tightness or pain, breathlessness, wheezing and coughing.
Musculoskeletal Pain or CostochondritisSometimes chest pain can stem from the muscles and structures of the chest. For instance, costochondritis occurs when the cartilage between a person's ribs and their sternum becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain. Musculoskeletal chest pain may also stem from the body's muscles or bones, referred pain from other areas of the body or traumatic injuries to the chest, such as broken ribs.
Anxiety or StressA number of anxiety and stress conditions can result in chest pain. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder can all cause a feeling of chest pain, often as a result of stress or navigating stressful situations.
Chest InfectionsA wide range of infections may cause chest pain, including pneumococcal disease and acute bronchitis. These conditions are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughs, fevers and difficulty breathing. COVID-19 may also lead to chest pain in some cases.
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What Can Cause Chest And Jaw Pain?
Chest pain and jaw pain can occur simultaneously. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a heart issue, such as an episode of angina or a heart attack. However, they may have unrelated causes.
This article describes the causes of combined chest and jaw pain and some conditions that can cause each symptom in isolation.
It also discusses how doctors diagnose the cause of chest and jaw pain, risk factors for a heart attack, and advice about when to consult a healthcare professional.
Chest and jaw pain may occur due to problems with the heart, such as the following.
Heart attackThe box below describes the symptoms of a heart attack and what to do if a person experiences them.
Learn about the risk of heart attack according to age.
AnginaAngina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is a symptom of an underlying disease, such as coronary heart disease.
Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest, and the pain may radiate to other parts of the body, such as:
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some people with angina may experience additional symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Learn more about angina.
Below are some conditions that may cause chest pain without jaw pain.
Heartburn and acid refluxHeartburn is a burning sensation in the chest due to acid reflux. This is where stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and into the esophagus, which is the food pipe.
Heartburn pain may radiate to the throat, neck, or jaw. According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), other symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux may include:
Learn more about acid reflux.
Panic attacksA panic attack is a symptom of panic disorder (PD). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that PD is an anxiety disorder that doctors characterize by episodes of unexpected and intense fear. The disorder may also present with physical symptoms, such as:
Intercostal muscle strainsMuscle strains can cause musculoskeletal chest pain, often due to injury or overuse.
Intercostal muscle strains can cause chest muscle strain. The intercostal muscles sit between the ribs and help expand and contract the chest cavity, allowing a person to breathe.
Intercostal muscle strain typically causes pain or tenderness of the affected muscles, which may worsen when breathing in deeply or coughing.
Below are some potential causes of jaw pain without chest pain.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)TMDs are a group of conditions affecting the joints and muscles of the jaw, resulting in jaw pain and dysfunction.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), most TMDs have no identifiable cause. However, some can occur due to injury to the jaw.
Possible signs and symptoms of TMDs include:
Learn about temporomandibular joint disorders.
Trigeminal neuralgiaTrigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe stabbing or electric shock-like pain that typically affects the lower face and jaw. It can also affect the area around the nose and above the eyes.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), TN occurs due to irritation to the trigeminal nerve, which branches to the forehead, cheek, and lower jaw. The pain can begin suddenly, with initial attacks being short and mild but becoming longer and more intense over time.
TN may cause the following types of pain in the jaw and other parts of the face:
Learn more about TN.
Dental issuesThe following dental issues may cause pain that radiates to the jaw:
If a person presents with chest and jaw pain, doctors may want to rule out a heart condition. In nonemergency situations, the diagnostic procedure will typically involve a physical examination and questions about the following:
Other diagnostic tests may include:
A person experiencing heart attack symptoms needs immediate medical attention. The sooner they receive appropriate treatment, the less heart damage they are likely to endure and the greater their likelihood of survival.
People should also contact a doctor if they have chest and jaw pain and risk factors for heart disease. A doctor may recommend diagnostic tests or preventive measures to help reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Combined chest and jaw pain can signal an issue with the heart, such as an episode of angina or a heart attack. Anyone experiencing these symptoms needs to seek immediate medical attention.
Chest pain and jaw pain often occur in isolation. Factors that can cause chest pain without jaw pain include heartburn, panic attacks, and intercostal muscle strain.
Factors that can cause jaw pain without chest pain include TMDs, TN, and dental issues.
Anyone with risk factors for heart disease or other concerns about their heart health needs to speak with a doctor for further advice and guidance.
World Heart Day 2023: Causes And Conditions Other Than Heart Attacks That Lead To Chest Pain
When the blood flowing through the heart is severely compromised due to a block in one of the vessels, it is known as a heart attack or myocardial infarction. This block in the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries) may be because of the deposition of cholesterol that forms the plaques. A plaque in some other vessel may become a clot and migrate to the coronary vessels, resulting in a similar condition.
The common symptoms that are used to identify a heart attack include pain and discomfort that radiates to the neck, shoulder, upper limb, back and even the upper part of the abdomen. Additional symptoms may include cold sweats, lightheadedness, and difficulty breathing. The most critical symptom is severe, sharp chest pain.
Though chest pain is one of the cardinal signs of a myocardial infarction, it is essential to know that such pain may be caused due to reasons that are not necessarily this fatal.
Here's a list of conditions or diseases that can lead to chest pain and how to ascertain whether the underlying cause is a heart attack, or something that mimics it.
Pneumonia: This lung condition can also cause chest pain, which is of pleuritic type, and worsens on breathing. It is often present only on one side and is localised. Chest pain in such conditions may be accompanied by dyspnea, cough, fever and clicking or rattling sounds heard when a person breathes in (medically termed rales).
Gastrointestinal reasons: Oesophageal reflux may last for 10 minutes to an hour and cause a burning sensation. The pain may be below the sternum and can worsen on lying down after a meal. It is relieved by antacids. On the other hand, the oesophageal spasm lasts for around 30 minutes and causes tightness in the chest, pressure, and burning. The pain is felt behind the sternum.
Acute aortic syndrome: This is a disorder of the largest blood vessel in the body, known as the aorta. This condition also results in unrelenting pain that occurs suddenly. The pain is knife-like or ripping and radiates to the back, between the scapulae (or the shoulder blades). It is usually related to increased blood pressure and a loss of pulsations in the peripheral vessels (like the pulse on the foot).
Cervical disk: A problem in the cervical disk (present at the back of the neck) can lead to sudden pain that can include numbness. It radiates to the arms and shoulders and worsens on moving the neck.
Psychological causes: High intensity of emotions can lead to a feeling of tightness in the chest and may be accompanied by difficulty in breathing. These symptoms are combined with a sense of panic or impending doom. Factors like a history of panic attacks or depression can lead to such pain, often retrosternal.
Some of the above conditions warrant the presence of a healthcare provider, while others may be relieved without much intervention. It is crucial not to panic if you experience chest pain and to tell the medical professional your exact symptoms for them to reach the correct diagnosis.
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