What's Causing Your Chest Pain? (Heart Health Month)

Chest pain can be really scary. You’ve seen heart attacks depicted in film and on TV. You know that they can be fatal. So when you first feel a sharp or throbbing pain in your chest, you may worry that it’s coming from your heart. 

If you think you’re having an emergency, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room (ER). Never be afraid that you’re over-reacting, when your heart’s health and your life are at stake.

Our expert team at Healthstone Primary compiled this guide to help you learn about chest pain and its various causes. When you understand the reasons behind chest pain, you’re better able to recognize when you’re in an emergency situation and get the prompt care you need. 

When is chest pain an emergency?

When you experience sudden, severe chest pain, you may be having a medical emergency. You should seek medical attention right away at the nearest ER. Other signs and symptoms that could indicate a heart attack or other heart emergency are:

• Dull chest pain
• Heaviness on chest
• Chest pain that radiates to jaw, arms, back, or abdomen
• Nausea
• Feelings of panic 
• Dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing or coughing

Don’t delay calling 911 or going to the ER because you aren’t sure whether it’s an emergency or not. You’re more likely to survive a heart attack or other serious heart condition if you get early treatment. 

Why else could I have chest pain?

The good news is that chest pain has many causes and isn’t necessarily a sign of a heart attack or other heart condition. Some common, non-cardiac reasons for chest pain include: 

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcers
• Asthma
• Hiatal hernia
• Respiratory issues
• Blood clots 
• Infections 
• Inflammation 
• Gallstones
• Pancreatic complications
• Panic attacks
• Pinched nerve

If you aren’t sure why you have chest pain, our doctors pinpoint the cause and recommend treatment.

How does chest pain manifest?

Just as there are many causes of chest pain, it may manifest in many ways, too. For example, you could have chest pain that: 

• Comes and goes over a few days 
• Appears for just a few hours or days, then goes away  
• Never goes away
• Feels very sharp, like a stab
• Gets worse when you take deep breaths, make certain movements, or exercise
• Feels like a constant dull ache 
• Burns throughout your entire chest
• Affects one small area of your chest
• Radiates through your neck, arms, or abdomen

When you experience low-level chronic chest pain, you should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss possible causes. If your chronic chest pain is severe, it’s likely a sign of an underlying medical condition. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause. 

Even if your chest pain turns out to be nothing serious, seeing a doctor can give you some much-needed peace of mind. You can also get a diagnosis and treatment for whatever condition is causing your chest pain.

If you have chest pain, contact us right away. Call the office nearest you either in Weston, Pembroke Pines, or Davie, Florida. You can also request an appointment with one of our doctors by using our online form.