
Chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, can cause persistent muscle-related chest pain. In this condition, the cartilage of the rib cage, particularly the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone, becomes inflamed and painful. Some types of chest pain are associated with injuries and other problems affecting the structures that make up the chest wall, including: Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas can cause abdominal pain that spreads to the chest. Disorders of the esophagus can make swallowing difficult and even painful.
This painful, burning sensation behind the breastbone occurs when stomach acid washes up from the stomach into the tube that connects the throat to the stomach (esophagus). This condition usually causes sharp pain that gets worse when breathing in or lying down.Ĭhest pain can be caused by disorders of the digestive system, including:
Inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis). If the inner layers of this blood vessel separate, blood is forced between the layers and can cause the aorta to rupture. This life-threatening condition involves the main artery leading from the heart (aorta). These plaques narrow the arteries and restrict the heart's blood supply, particularly during physical activity. This is often caused by the buildup of thick plaques on the inner walls of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Angina is the term for chest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart. A heart attack results from blocked blood flow, often from a blood clot, to the heart muscle. Heart-related causesĮxamples of heart-related causes of chest pain include: Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic CausesĬhest pain has many possible causes, all of which need medical attention. Drive yourself only if you have no other option. If you can't get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Don't ignore the symptoms of a heart attack. If you have new or unexplained chest pain or think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or emergency medical assistance immediately. The classic symptoms of heartburn - a painful, burning sensation behind the breastbone - can be caused by problems with the heart or the stomach. Pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough. Pain that gets better or worse when you change your body position. A sour taste or a sensation of food reentering your mouth. However, chest pain that is less likely due to a heart problem is more often associated with: It can be difficult to distinguish heart-related chest pain from other types of chest pain. Pain that lasts more than a few minutes, gets worse with activity, goes away and comes back, or varies in intensity. Crushing or searing pain that spreads to your back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and one or both arms. Pressure, fullness, burning or tightness in your chest. In general, chest discomfort related to a heart attack or another heart problem may be described by or associated with one or more of the following:
Heart-related chest painĪlthough chest pain is often associated with heart disease, many people with heart disease say they have a vague discomfort that isn't necessarily identified as pain. Often, the cause has nothing to do with the heart - though there's no easy way to tell without seeing a health care provider. Chest pain can cause many different sensations depending on what's triggering the symptom.