Chest pain

There are many reasons why someone might experience chest pain. Some are related to the heart, while many are not. Understanding these causes can help you know when to seek help.

Heart-related causes

• Coronary artery disease (angina): Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause a feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest, often triggered by physical activity or stress.
• Heart attack: A blocked artery can stop blood flow to part of the heart muscle, leading to more severe, persistent pain.
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the lining around the heart, causing sharp pain that may get worse when lying down or taking deep breaths.
  

Digestive causes

• Acid reflux (heartburn): Stomach acid flowing back into the food pipe can cause burning chest pain, sometimes mistaken for gas-related discomfort.
• Gallbladder problems: Gallstones can cause pain that radiates to the chest.

Lung-related causes

• Pneumonia or lung infections: It can cause chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing.
• Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining around the lungs, leading to sharp pain when breathing.
• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lung that needs urgent treatment.
  

Muscle and bone causes

• Muscle strain: From heavy lifting, vigorous activity, or even prolonged coughing.
• Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone.
  

Other causes

• Anxiety or panic attacks: They can cause chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath, often mistaken for heart problems.

It’s important to know that left-side chest pain causes often include heart-related issues, but pain can also appear on the right side or in the centre, depending on the underlying condition.

Chest pain comes with various symptoms, including: 

• Pain that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Pain that worsens with breathing or coughing (chest pain while breathing)
• Back pain at the same time as chest discomfort (chest and back pain)
  

It’s also worth noting that chest pain in women can sometimes present differently. Women may experience fatigue, indigestion, or discomfort in the back or jaw instead of classic chest pressure.

Chest pain can have many causes; a careful diagnosis is essential. Doctors start by asking about your symptoms, health history, and risk factors. They will then perform a physical examination.

To find out the cause, your doctor may recommend:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Checks for heart rhythm problems or signs of a heart attack.
• Blood tests: Look for markers of heart damage.
• Chest X-ray: Helps detect lung conditions or issues with the heart’s size.
• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to see the heart’s structure and function.
• Stress tests: Evaluate how well the heart works under increased demand.
• CT scan or MRI: Provide detailed images to look for blockages or other abnormalities.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. At our hospital, we offer a full range of options to address chest pain—from emergency care to long-term management.

If it’s heart-related

• Medications: To improve blood flow, reduce heart workload, or break up clots.
• Procedures: Such as angioplasty with stent placement or coronary bypass surgery if arteries are blocked.

If it’s due to digestive issues

• Antacids or acid reducers: To manage reflux or ulcers.
• Dietary and lifestyle advice: To help prevent future problems.

If it’s from lung problems

• Antibiotics: For infections like pneumonia.
• Blood thinners: If a clot is found in the lung.
• Oxygen therapy: When breathing is affected.
  

If it’s muscular or skeletal

• Pain relievers and rest: To allow muscles or joints to heal.
• Physiotherapy: In some cases to strengthen the chest wall.
  

If it’s anxiety-related

• Stress management techniques, counselling, or medications: To control panic attacks or chronic anxiety.

No matter the cause, we also focus on preventing future issues by helping you manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and lifestyle habits like smoking or inactivity.

We understand that chest pain can be frightening. Our team of experienced cardiologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists work together to quickly identify the cause of your chest pain and start the right treatment without delay.

At our hospital in Jaipur, we offer:

• 24/7 emergency care: For immediate assessment and treatment of serious chest pain.
• Advanced diagnostic tools: Including ECG, echocardiography, CT scans, and cardiac catheterisation.
• Expert team: Experienced cardiologists in Jaipur who specialise in treating all types of heart and chest conditions.
• Comprehensive care: From initial diagnosis to rehabilitation and long-term heart health support.

Always seek emergency care if you have:

• Chest pain that feels like heavy pressure, squeezing, or fullness
• Pain spreading to your arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Trouble breathing
• Sweating, nausea, or feeling faint

It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to chest pain. Prompt treatment can save lives.