Chest pain is not always a heart attack, here are 8 other causes

When you have chest pain for the first time, you may stutter in panic that this is a heart attack. In fact, not all chest pain is related to the heart. Chest pain can also be caused by certain problems that originate in other organs of the body, such as the lungs or muscles.

Some of the causes of chest pain that you need to know

Pain in the chest due to heart problems

Coronary heart disease

Chest pain that you may or often experience is called angina. Angina occurs when your heart muscle doesn't get an adequate supply of oxygenated blood. As a result, you will feel pressure on your chest. Pain can also occur in your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw. Usually, angina can occur due to emotional overexertion or overexertion.

One of the heart diseases characterized by chest pain is coronary artery disease (arteriosclerosis). This disease occurs due to blockage of blood flow to the heart. This can result in a blood clot which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Heart attack

Heart attacks can occur due to the death of heart muscle cells due to decreased blood flow through the blood vessels of the heart. The chest pain caused by a heart attack will be worse and will not subside after resting. In fact, chest pain is usually accompanied by nausea, shortness of breath, or weakness.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium which is shaped like a sac around the heart organ. Pericarditis is often accompanied by chest pain. In fact, sometimes, the pain can get worse when breathing, swallowing food, or lying on your back.

Pain in the chest due to digestive problems

Gastric acid rises

Good stomach acid, aka heartburn, is a burning sensation in the chest that often occurs with a bitter taste in the throat or mouth. Heartburn usually occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. This is natural if it happens occasionally. However, if this happens twice a week or more, you may have acid reflux disease (GERD). The triggers for GERD include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and consumption of spicy or fatty foods. GERD chest pain can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack.

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas which is characterized by pain in the abdomen that can radiate to the chest and back. Pain can appear suddenly. Other symptoms that arise can include nausea, vomiting, fever, and a fast pulse.

Pain in the chest due to lung problems

Pleuritis

Pleuritis is inflammation of the pleura, which is the thin layer covering the lungs. Pleuritis is characterized by chest pain, especially when you take a deep breath or cough. Usually, pleurisy is caused by bacterial infection, tuberculosis, cancer, or other conditions.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. The main symptoms that are often encountered are cough with phlegm or no phlegm, fever, shortness of breath, and pain in the chest / stomach.

Pain in the chest due to muscle problems

Tense muscles

Without you knowing it, excessive exercise can cause your chest muscles to tighten. And, if you feel pain when pressing against your chest wall, it may be due to a musculoskeletal injury, not to the heart.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. As a result, you will feel chest pain that is almost similar to a heart attack or other heart problem.

Actually, chest pain is not a disease. Chest pain is a sign that something is wrong with you. Therefore, if you have unexplained chest pain, you should immediately consult a doctor to find out the exact cause so that you can immediately get the right treatment. Because even though it seems trivial, you shouldn't ignore chest pain.

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