What causes chest pain?

Chest pain can be a frightening feeling, especially when we don't know exactly what's causing it. In fact, there are many reasons for chest pain, and they aren't necessarily all heart problems. Knowing these causes can help us better determine whether we need to see a doctor right away.

Chest pain may be a sign of a heart-related problem, such as angina or myocardial infarction. Angina occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood, and is usually felt as a pressure or tightness in the chest that may radiate to the shoulders, arms, back, or jaw. If the pain lasts a long time and is accompanied by symptoms such as sweating and nausea, a myocardial infarction is more likely. In this case, you need to see a doctor immediately and don't delay.

Chest pain can also have non-cardiac causes, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, it can cause heartburn and chest pain, especially after eating or when lying down. Although it's not a heart problem, chronic reflux can damage the esophagus and requires prompt treatment.

Musculoskeletal problems are also common causes of chest pain. For example, intercostal muscle strain or costochondritis usually occurs after excessive exercise or improper posture. This pain is often aggravated by activity and can be relieved by rest and local ice application.

Another situation is that psychological factors are the cause, such as anxiety or panic attacks. Emotional tension can cause chest muscles to contract, causing pain. In this case, it is very important to learn to relax and regulate your emotions. Deep breathing, meditation or seeking psychological counseling are all good options.

Knowing these reasons, we can more calmly judge the urgency of the symptoms when facing chest pain. Of course, any unexplained chest pain should be taken seriously, especially when the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Timely medical treatment is the safest choice. I hope everyone will pay more attention to their physical condition in daily life, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and reduce the chance of chest pain.