What are the common causes of chest pain?

Chest pain can arise from various conditions, some of which are serious and require immediate medical attention, while others are less severe. Here are some common causes of chest pain:

Cardiac Causes

1. Angina

• Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often triggered by physical activity or stress.

1. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

• Severe, crushing chest pain due to the blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle.

1. Pericarditis

• Inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), causing sharp, stabbing pain.

1. Myocarditis

• Inflammation of the heart muscle, often leading to chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

1. Aortic Dissection

• A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing severe, ripping chest pain.

Gastrointestinal Causes

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Acid reflux causing a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating.

1. Esophageal Spasm

• Sudden, intense contractions of the esophagus leading to chest pain.

1. Peptic Ulcer

• Sores in the stomach lining causing burning pain that can be mistaken for heart pain.

1. Gallbladder Disease (e.g., Gallstones)

• Pain from gallbladder issues can radiate to the chest.

Pulmonary Causes

1. Pulmonary Embolism

• A blood clot in the lung causing sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.

1. Pneumonia

• Infection of the lungs leading to chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.

1. Pleuritis (Pleurisy)

• Inflammation of the lining of the lungs, causing sharp pain, especially with breathing or coughing.

1. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

• Sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain and shortness of breath.

Musculoskeletal Causes

1. Costochondritis

• Inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone, causing sharp pain.

1. Muscle Strain

• Overuse or injury to chest muscles can cause persistent pain.

1. Rib Fractures

• Broken ribs from trauma can cause significant chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing.

Psychological Causes

1. Panic Attack

• Intense anxiety or panic leading to chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.

1. Anxiety

• Chronic anxiety can cause chest tightness and discomfort.

Other Causes

1. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

• A reactivation of the chickenpox virus causing a painful rash and chest pain if the chest area is affected.

1. Hiatal Hernia

• Part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, causing chest pain and discomfort.

Given the wide range of potential causes, chest pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if it is severe, persistent, or associated with symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for conditions like heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms, which can be life-threatening.