Chest pain is one of the most distressing indicators a human can go through. It is indeed a very natural reaction to think of a heart attack first, however, that is not the case for all types of chest pain. In reality, there are a number of conditions, some of which are simply annoying, and others are serious and need treatment, that can produce discomfort in the area of the chest. Getting to know these causes can not only lessen the worry but also give you a cue if you need medical assistance.
The list below features 10 common causes of chest pain that are not related to the heart attack.
1. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common cardiac pain misinterpretations. By refluxing, stomach acid can feel like burning in the chest area which people sometimes mistake for heart pain, especially if it happens after meals or when they are lying down.
2. Muscle Strain or Chest Wall Pain
Straining of the chest muscles can occur due to overuse, heavy lifting, poor posture, or even constant coughs. Movement or touch of the affected area usually aggravates this pain, which is the opposite of heart-related pain.
3. Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety or panic attacks of such severity can bring about a heart attack-like situation with a lot of discomfort, including acute chest pain, fast heartbeat, breathlessness, and perspiration. Though the symptoms are the same, the cause here is psychological not cardiac.
4. Costochondritis
The condition is the result of inflammation of the area where bones of ribs meet with the breastbone. Costochondritis is characterized by a very painful site of ribs that becomes more painful during deep breaths or any physical movements.
5. Gas and Indigestion
Gas that is formed inside the body or indigestion may produce discomfort in the chest like pressure. The pain can move to another location, it can be lessened by burping, or it can come along with bloating.
6. Lung-Related Conditions
Chest pain can be caused by such lung issues as pneumonia, pleurisy, or a slight lung infection, particularly when inhaling deeply or coughing. The high temperature and respiratory symptoms are usually the signs for these ailments.
7. Esophageal Spasms
The sudden contractions of the esophagus are so powerful that they can literally take the person to the point of feeling the same thing as experiencing a heart attack. Besides this, the person might also have difficulty swallowing.
8. Shingles (Early Stage)
Even before the rash that is typical of shingles appears, sometimes the disease causes sharp or burning pains to be felt on a single side of the chest. Initially, this pain might resemble a heart problem.
9. gallbladder issues
The discomfort caused by gallstones or gallbladder inflammation can be detected in the chest, right shoulder, or upper abdomen, particularly after the intake of fatty foods.
10. incorrect posture or cervical spine issues
If the posture is not good, there is a lot of sitting for a long time, or cervical spondylosis has developed, there will be the situation when the nerves in the neck or upper spine compress, and as a result there will be chest area pain.
When Should You Still See a Doctor?
One shouldn’t ignore chest pain just because it is not always a sign of a heart attack. If one experiences any of the above-mentioned symptoms accompanied by a new, severe, recurring pain in the chest area, a medical evaluation should be sought immediately.
An appointment with a Cardiologist in Jaipur can not only confirm that there are no heart-related problems but it can also give you peace of mind. In case you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, or family history of heart disease, early diagnosis becomes even more important.
Expert Cardiac Evaluation Matters
By proper diagnosis and holistic treatment, going to a reputed cardiology hospital in Jaipur gives you the benefit of the latest tests and specialist knowledge. Dr. Divij Khetan, the Heart Specialist in Jaipur, is the most preferred choice among many for exhaustive cardiac evaluation and advising, especially during the cases of chest pain.
Final Thoughts
Pain in the chest does not imply heart attack but it should be taken nevertheless. Determining the cause at an early stage- be it gastric, muscle, psychological, or cardiac- will not only prevent complications but also dispel unnecessary fear. When in doubt, a timely consultation with a reputable cardiology hospital in Jaipur would definitely be worth it.