Chest pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Heart-related issues:
  • Heart attack
  • Angina
  • Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart)
  • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
  • Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
• Lung-related issues:
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
  • Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs)
  • Pneumonia
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Gastrointestinal issues:
  • Acid reflux or GERD
  • Esophageal spasm
  • Gallstones
  • Hiatal hernia
• Musculoskeletal issues:
  • Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage)
  • Muscle strain
  • Rib injury or fracture
• Other causes:
  • Panic attacks
  • Shingles

Relief for chest pain depends on the underlying cause. Some general recommendations include:

• For heart-related chest pain:
  • Take prescribed medications
  • Follow a heart-healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid smoking
• For lung-related chest pain:
  • Take prescribed medications for infections or inflammation
  • Practice breathing exercises
  • Avoid smoking
• For gastrointestinal-related chest pain:
  • Avoid foods and drinks that trigger symptoms
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating
• For musculoskeletal-related chest pain:
  • Rest and avoid activities that strain the chest muscles
  • Apply ice or heat to the affected area
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers

It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment for your specific condition. If you experience severe or persistent chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.

You should seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Sudden, severe chest pain
• Pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

For more information about managing chest pain and its underlying causes, contact Digestive System Healthcare to schedule a consultation with our specialists.