Chest Pain

February 9, 2012 | By myheartadmin In Common Symptoms

Chest pain can appear in many forms – a dull ache, sharp pain, or burning – and can be a sign of a variety of conditions. Whatever the pain, chest pain needs to be taken seriously. The following table describes what to do if you experience different types of chest pain.

Heart-related causes of chest discomfort.

Heart-related causes of chest discomfort	What it feels like	What to do
Angina	Temporary tightness or pressure. Usually instigated by emotional or physical stress. This can be a sign of a future heart attack.	Call your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Heart attack	Fullness, squeezing pain, or uncomfortable pressure in the center of the chest Lasts more than a few minutes Can spread to neck, shoulders, or arms May accompany fainting, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath, or sweating	Call 911
Aortic dissection (the inner layer of the aorta’s artery wall splits open)	A tearing pain associated with a cold sweat. Pain may be in the front or back of the chest, and travels as the dissection worsens.	Call 911
Pericarditis (inflammation of the thin sac (pericardium) surrounding the heart)	Sometimes dull, more often sharp, pain over the left side or center of the chest. Pain my spread to the neck and left shoulder, and worsens with lying flat or deep breathing. Commonly accompanied by fever, feeling sick, or painful swallowing.	Call 911

Other causes of chest discomfort

Other causes of chest discomfort	What it feels like	What to do
Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in your lung)	Sharp, sudden pain that worsens with coughing or deep breathing. Other symptoms include rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.	Call 911
Pleurisy (inflammation of lung membranes that can happen with pneumonia)	Chest pain associated with coughing or breathing. Pain is usually relieved when the pained area receives pressure.	Call your healthcare provider.
Heartburn	Burning pain behind the breastbone and sour taste in your mouth. Pain usually starts after a meal and worsens when you lie down.	Call 911 if you suspect a heart attack based on your symptoms. Otherwise, call your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Costochondritis (inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib)	Feeling of soreness or pain in the sternum, where your ribs and chest bone meet. Pain increases if you put pressure on it.	Call your healthcare provider.

Possible Conditions

Diagnostic Tests

Treatment Procedures