Chest Pain: Is it Ever Normal?

More than 800,000 heart attacks occur each year in the United States, and a primary symptom is pain in the chest. It’s no wonder you feel anxious and concerned when you suffer chest pain. 

Not all chest pain points to a heart attack, though. Most chest pain is harmless and often resolves on its own. 

Here at the private practice of César R. Molina, MD, FACC, in Mountain View, California, we can help put your mind at ease and diagnose your chest pain. If you do need treatment for a heart condition, we have the expertise and skills to help. 

Read on to learn the specific chest pain signs that you should never ignore. If you’re ever in doubt about chest pain, reach out immediately.

Chest pain causes that don’t involve the heart

A heart attack is often the first thought when experiencing unexplained chest pain, but you may be suffering another cause that’s not life-threatening. 

Chest pain can result from a number of other causes, including:

• Muscle strains or bruised ribs
• Heartburn and acid reflux (stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can cause a burning sensation
• Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining 
• Respiratory conditions that cause chest tightness, including asthma and bronchitis 
• Gallstones or stomach ulcers 
• Lung infections like pneumonia

Panic attacks are another possible cause. Severe anxiety can show up as chest pain along with sweating, nausea, and other symptoms.

The nature of the chest pain in these non-heart conditions is different from that of a heart attack. But if the sensation is new, it can be of extraordinary concern. Our team can accurately diagnose the root cause of your discomfort.

Chest pain related to the heart

Several cardiac conditions can cause chest pain. They include:

Coronary artery disease 

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when fatty deposits block coronary arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.

Myocarditis and pericarditis

Myocarditis describes inflammation of the heart muscle that can lead to arrhythmias, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and chest pain. 

Pericarditis involves the inflammation around the heart that may cause sharp or stabbing pain that worsens with lying down or swallowing.

Angina

Angina results when you have narrowed or partially blocked arteries. It typically occurs during physical activity when the heart demands more oxygenated blood. It usually subsides with rest.

Heart valve disease 

When one of your heart valves doesn’t function properly, it can cause chest pain, abdominal swelling, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat.

Aortic dissection

This rare but severe condition involves a tear in the aorta’s inner layers, causing intense chest or back pain, shortness of breath, and potential loss of consciousness. It requires immediate medical intervention.

Concerning chest pain that requires medical attention

Chest pain is concerning because it may signal a severe condition. We recommend you call us or 911 right away if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain accompanied by pressure or a squeezing sensation in your chest
• Pain that intensifies with physical exertion or doesn’t subside with rest 
• Chest pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, especially with shortness of breath, dizziness, or cold sweats
• Any new chest pain, pain different from previous episodes, or pain lasting longer than a few minutes

These symptoms are particularly significant if you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a history of smoking.

If you have unexplained chest pain, it’s best to put your mind at ease. We can ensure your chest pain is accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated. 

Contact us today or use our online tool to request a consultation.  We’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care and helping you maintain a healthy heart.