Chest Pain

In chest pain, the first thing that comes to your mind is that this pain is related to your heart. Nevertheless, chest pain is not always associated with a heart problem; it can be due to something else.

However, if you have the following symptoms, the chest pain can be an emergency:

• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Sweat
  
  
• Sick feeling and vomiting
  
  
• Tight or heavy chest
  
  
• Pain starts from the chest and spreads to the jaw, back, neck or arm

These symptoms can indicate a heart attack, so call 112 immediately for first aid or help.

If you feel pain in your chest that spreads from your shoulders to the bottom of your rib cage, it's known as chest pain. While it's frequent and may not always signify something severe, seeing a doctor to determine the root cause is essential.

Chest pain can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor issues such as a pulled muscle or bruised ribs to severe medical conditions like lung problems or acid reflux. It is essential to have any chest pain checked out by a healthcare professional to ensure that any underlying conditions can be addressed.

Depending on what is causing your chest pain, you may experience the following symptoms:

• A tight, crushing sensation
  
  
• A burning pain
  
  
• Pain when breathing deeply
  
  
• An aching sensation
  
  
• Pain in the centre left or right side of your chest
  
  
• A sharp pain that comes and goes
  
  
• A dull, constant pain

Sometimes, chest pain can be due to severe medical conditions you may be unaware of. However, not all chest pains are severe or related to your heart; other heart conditions can cause pain. People usually suffer from heart conditions due to smoking, cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity. If anyone in your family has suffered from a heart attack or angina within the age of 60, there is a possibility that you can also go through chest pain or heart conditions.

Chest pain may result from an underlying medical issue, although it is not typically related to heart problems. However, some heart conditions can lead to chest pain. Those who smoke, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, are obese, or have diabetes are more susceptible to heart problems. If someone in your family has experienced a heart attack or angina before age 60, you may also be at greater risk for heart conditions.

Heart Attack

If blood is blocked to the heart, it is crucial to call emergency help. The symptoms of this condition typically include severe crushing pain in the chest, sweating, and potential pain radiation to the left arm or jaw.

Angina

The heart muscles may experience blockages in their blood vessels, causing chest pain that mimics the symptoms of a heart attack. This condition is typically triggered by physical exertion or stress and should subside with rest.

Myocarditis

This disease causes the inflammation of the heart muscles.

Pericarditis

There is inflammation in the sac filled with fluid that surrounds the heart, which results in pain.

Aortic Dissection

Although rare, this is a tear in the aorta.

Cardiomyopathy

The condition occurs when the heart muscle is affected, which can change its size, structure, and shape.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

The heart valve does not close correctly, causing a heart murmur.

If you have pain in the chest, you should consult a doctor for advice. If you think you or any other person is showing heart attack symptoms, see above or call 112 urgently. At Mobidoctor, you can see a general physician from your work, home or even on your way, online by any device. Through video consultation, our doctors can discuss the chest pain you are having, carefully listen to your symptoms, and suggest the right treatment to help you get your health back. If you want further help, our doctors will assist in recommending the specialist for appropriate treatment. 

Our doctors are available at any time you need them. Contact our doctors at any time that best suits you.

Other causes can include:

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lung tissues is typically the result of a bacterial infection and can cause chest pain that intensifies with breathing or coughing.

Bronchitis

Lung inflammation is caused by this infection as well.

Pulmonary Embolism

When a blood vessel in your lungs is obstructed, it is called a pulmonary embolism, potentially life-threatening.

Asthma

The bronchial tubes become inflamed due to asthma, leading to chest pain as the airway may become obstructed by mucus or tightened.

Pulmonary Hypertension

The arteries and right side of the heart are affected by hypertension, which can cause chest pain as a symptom.

Pneumothorax

A condition referred to as a collapsed lung, which is more prevalent in individuals with Asthma or Cystic Fibrosis, is also known as this.

Acid Reflux or Heartburn

After consuming food, you may experience a bitter taste in your mouth, a sense of fullness, and discomfort in your chest. Such symptoms can also signify the presence of GORD.

Broken or bruised ribs

You may have injured your ribs if you experience tenderness and swelling in the rib area, and the pain intensifies when you inhale, cough, or sneeze.

Sore muscles

Experiencing pain in your chest may be caused by a muscle strain, which can also result in tenderness and swelling upon touch.

Shingles

A rash emerges on the skin surrounding a nerve due to a viral infection.

Panic Attack

You may experience chest pain during a panic attack and feelings of breathlessness or tingling sensations.

It's common to assume that chest pain is heart-related, but it's not necessarily true. In reality, it's often caused by other factors.

Chest pain is considered an emergency if it appears suddenly and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Discomfort originating in the chest and extending to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
  
  
• The sensation of tightness or heaviness in the chest
  
  
• Experiencing difficulty in breathing
  
  
• Experiencing sweating
  
  
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting

It is essential to consult a doctor if you experience chest pain. If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack (as listed above), it is crucial to call emergency without delay.

Mobi Doctor provides easy access to medical care with online doctor consultations available on any device, from the comfort of your home or even while on the move. During a video consultation, our doctors can attentively listen to your symptoms and discuss any chest pain you may be experiencing. They will then recommend the proper course of treatment to help you recover as soon as possible.

Further investigations can be requested by our doctors if necessary.