Causes of chest painThere are a number of different conditions that can cause chest pain. You should always seek medical advice to make sure you get a proper diagnosis. Show
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, you may need further investigation. Heart attackA heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is suddenly blocked. Chest pain is more likely to be caused by a heart attack if it:
AnginaAngina is a condition where the blood supply to the muscles of the heart is restricted. Chest pain caused by angina is usually triggered by physical activity (exertion). It usually gets better with rest after a few minutes. Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. This can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that may get worse when you breathe in. It can also be accompanied by:
PericarditisPericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding your heart. This can cause a sudden, sharp and stabbing pain in your chest. It may also cause more of a dull ache. This pain usually gets worse when you lie down. Lung conditionsLung conditions that can cause chest pain include:
Conditions affecting the lungs can cause sharp chest pain that:
If someone has severe pneumonia or pleurisy, they may also have symptoms like:
Seek medical advice immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of:
Other causes of chest painThere are many other potential causes of chest pain, including:
Last updated: A fleeting burst of pain slams your chest, and a terrifying two-word combination — HEART ATTACK — immediately enters your thoughts. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Take a deep breath. Oftentimes, the situation isn’t what you fear. Some chest pain symptoms, while scary and alarming, are unlikely to signal a heart attack. Let’s walk through some of those indicators and what they might mean with cardiologist Curtis Rimmerman, MD. An important note, though: Never assume chest pain is nothing to worry about. Given the game-ending potential of a heart attack, any chest pain deserves attention. Don’t wave it off. “When in doubt, err on the side of caution and visit a doctor or emergency room,” notes Dr. Rimmerman. How to tell if chest pain is seriousSome types of chest pain should send you to the emergency room — particularly if it lasts for at least five minutes. Symptoms could include new or unexplained chest pain coupled with shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, fatigue or lightheadedness. Aside from your chest, the pain, pressure or discomfort also may radiate to your:
Lasting and unrelenting pain in these areas may signal a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, says Dr. Rimmerman. Call 911 to seek immediate treatment to save heart muscle. Symptoms that suggest another problemMore often than not, chest pain does not signal a heart attack. A study of emergency room visits found that less than 6% of patients arriving with chest pain had a life-threatening heart issue. Here are some examples of chest pain that usually doesn’t result in a heart attack diagnosis. Momentary chest discomfortYou’re sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee when chest pain strikes like a lightning bolt. It’s sudden, swift and stabbing. The feeling — which many compare to getting an electrical shock — lasts only an attention-grabbing moment. The good news? The brief zap is usually not indicative of a heart attack, which often brings an unrelenting pain that lasts several minutes. Momentary chest discomfort is more likely to result from:
Pinpoint chest discomfortWith every deep breath or cough, pain pierces your chest. Moving around and changing positions only seems to make it worse, too. If this describes your symptoms, odds are that you’re dealing with a lung-related issue. This is even more likely if the pain is focused on the right side of your chest, away from your heart. Possible causes include:
And while these lung issues are not a heart attack, they are concerning enough to warrant a call to your healthcare provider. Discomfort that lessens with exerciseIf a sharp pain strikes your chest but improves as you move around a bit… well, you may be looking at a case of heartburn (acid reflux) or some other gastrointestinal issue. An estimated 15 million Americans a day experience heartburn, which brings an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest and a sour feeling in your throat. An over-the-counter antacid can help bring some relief. Another reason your chest may hurtThat pain in your chest could be linked to another kind of attack that has nothing to do with your heart. A panic attack or anxiety can reveal itself with symptoms — chest tightness, sweating, shortness of breath — that mimic those of a heart attack. There are some key differences between a panic attack and a heart attack, though.
Heart attack symptoms vary widelyDr. Rimmerman emphasizes that the symptoms of heart attack or angina can vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience no symptoms at all. Others experience crushing chest pain. Others may feel only arm, throat or jaw discomfort. But the discomfort is usually unrelenting, typically lasting five minutes or more. “Regardless of where the pain is, people typically can’t find a position that relieves the pain,” Dr. Rimmerman says. “Nor do they find relief by taking a drink of water, popping antacids or taking deep breaths.” And that means it’s time to call 911. What causes sharp pain on the left side of the chest?If a person is experiencing chest pain on the left side of their body, this could indicate a heart attack or other medical conditions, such as a lung problem or inflammation of the lining around a person's heart.
Is it normal to feel a stabbing pain in your chest?Sharp stabbing pain in the chest is a common symptom that affects most people, young or old, and it's usually caused by less serious conditions like heartburn or a rib injury. But sometimes, it may be a sign of a more serious condition that needs urgent medical attention.
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