FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PAINS CAN ONE EXPERIENCE IN THE CHEST?
Chest discomfort post-meal or lying down is often from indigestion or heartburn—a burning sensation behind the breastbone that may extend to the jaw. Gallbladder pain, especially after fatty meals, is typically on the right side and may spread to the shoulder blade, often with nausea. Pain below the breastbone or left side of the upper abdomen that eases with eating is likely stomach inflammation or an ulcer. Chest pain worsening with deep breaths or coughing may stem from a lung issue like pleurisy, often caused by a viral infection. Superficial chest wall pain from muscle, bone, or nerve injury can occur. In females, chest pain from the breasts can mimic heart-related pain.
Let’s review these types of chest pains in more detail.
Angina, typically described as a pressure, squeezing, or burning sensation in the chest, is often associated with coronary artery disease. It may radiate to the arms, jaw, or back and is usually triggered by physical exertion or stress. A heart attack can cause similar symptoms but is often more severe and prolonged and may occur at rest. The pain might be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or cold sweats. Pericarditis, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, can cause sharp, stabbing pain that worsens when lying down or breathing deeply.
Pleurisy, or inflammation of the lining around the lungs, can cause sharp pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. Pneumonia may lead to chest pain, fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. A pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung, can cause sudden, sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat. Pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, may result in sudden, sharp pain on one side of the chest with difficulty breathing.
Acid reflux, or GERD, can cause a burning sensation in the chest, often mistaken for heart-related pain. This discomfort may worsen when lying down or after eating. Esophageal spasms can produce severe, squeezing pain that may mimic a heart attack. Gallbladder issues can cause pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen that may radiate to the chest.
Costochondritis, inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, can cause sharp, localized pain that worsens with movement or pressure on the chest wall. Muscle strains or injuries to the chest area can also result in pain that typically worsens with movement or deep breathing.
Panic attacks or severe anxiety can manifest as chest pain, often accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. This pain is typically sharp or stabbing and may be associated with tingling in the extremities.
Given the diverse causes of chest pain and the potential for serious underlying conditions, it’s essential to seek a professional medical evaluation for unexplained or concerning chest pain. CVG’s heart doctors in Atlanta specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cardiac conditions. Don’t wait—get in touch with us today so we can evaluate your heart and prescribe treatment, should that be necessary.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.