Every year, more than 8 million people who visit the emergency room in the United States complain of pain in the chest. You will be surprised to know that the cause of pain could be as minor as emotional stress or heartburn. But it can also prove to be fatal if caused due to blood clots in the lungs or heart attack. You can easily find the best doctors for Bakersfield chest pain treatment.
In this post, we will talk about the causes of chest pain. So let’s begin.
Table of Contents
1. Heart Attack
Generally, in the case of a heart attack, the pain lasts for more than 15 minutes. You may get warning signals hours or days ahead. Be alert if you feel-
- Pressure, fullness in the chest
- Pain in the jaw, one or both arms, stomach, neck, or back
- Breath shortness
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or cold sweat
2. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Angina or chest pain, the most common symptom of CAD, occurs when excess plaque deposits in your arteries, making them narrower. It restricts the blood flow leading to pain.
3. Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of a sac-like structure surrounding the heart. You will feel a sharp, stabbing pain. It occurs in the center or left side of the chest that may radiate to one or both shoulders. You can lean forward or sit to get some relief but breathing deep and lying down worsens it.
4. Heartburn
Has it ever occurred that after a big meal, you felt a burning pain in the chest? That may be due to heartburn. You feel the pain extending from your upper abdomen to the chest.
5. Aortic Dissection
Do you know the aorta is the major artery of your heart? If it gets torn, it leads to aortic dissection. You will feel tearing or ripping pain that may radiate to the back or neck. Other symptoms are-
- Loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath
- Vision problems
- Paralysis on one side of your body
- Weak pulse
- Stomach Pain
6. Gall Bladder/Pancreas Issues
Gall bladder stones or problems in the pancreas can also lead to discomfort in the chest.
7. Injured Ribs
Injured ribs can cause severe pain in the chest. But the good thing is that your ribs will heal by themselves. Small doses of pain medication will help with the recovery.
Conclusion
Though the cause of the pain can be a minor issue, if you ever feel unexplained chest pain for more than a few minutes, seek emergency help immediately.
