Chest pain is one of the most alarming symptoms a person can experience. Because the heart is located in the chest, people often assume the worst when they feel tightness, pressure, or discomfort in this area. While chest pain should never be ignored, it does not always signal a heart attack. In fact, many different conditions, some serious and others less urgent, can cause chest discomfort.
When Is Chest Pain Related to the Heart?
The most serious causes of chest pain involve the heart or blood vessels. These require urgent attention and are typically accompanied by other symptoms.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). This is the most common heart-related cause of chest pain. When the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed by plaque buildup, the heart muscle may not receive enough oxygen, especially during physical activity or stress. This can result in angina, a type of chest discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, or burning.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction). A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes completely blocked. Pain may feel intense, heavy, or crushing. It is often accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, or pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or arm.
Pericarditis. This is inflammation of the pericardium, the lining around the heart. The pain is often sharp and worsens when lying down or taking a deep breath.
Myocarditis. Inflammation of the heart muscle itself can also cause chest pain, often along with fatigue, fever, or shortness of breath.
Aortic Dissection. This rare but life-threatening condition involves a tear in the wall of the aorta. It causes sudden, severe chest or upper back pain and requires emergency treatment.
Non-Heart-Related Causes of Chest Pain
Not all chest pain originates from the heart. In many cases, the cause is musculoskeletal, digestive, or even related to stress.
Muscle Strain or Costochondritis. Pain from the muscles or cartilage of the chest wall is quite common. It may feel sore or achy, worsen with movement or pressure, and is often localized to one area. Costochondritis, inflammation of the cartilage where ribs attach to the sternum, is a frequent cause.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Acid reflux can mimic heart-related chest pain. It typically causes a burning sensation behind the breastbone, especially after meals or when lying down.
Esophageal Spasm. The muscles of the esophagus can sometimes contract abnormally, causing pain that feels similar to angina.
Peptic Ulcers or Gallbladder Disease. Problems in the stomach or upper digestive tract can refer pain to the chest. Gallbladder attacks, in particular, may cause discomfort that spreads to the chest or back.
Lung Conditions. Infections like pneumonia or conditions like a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) can all cause chest pain. These are often accompanied by coughing, difficulty breathing, or fever.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks. Emotional stress can produce very real physical symptoms. Panic attacks may cause intense chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. These episodes can feel frighteningly similar to a heart attack but are not caused by heart disease. However, it’s always important to rule out cardiac causes first.
When Should You See a Provider?
Chest pain should never be dismissed, especially if it is new, severe, or occurs with other symptoms. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Pain that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness
- Discomfort that radiates to the jaw, neck, back, or arms
- Shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea
- Lightheadedness or fainting
Even if symptoms are mild or inconsistent, it’s still important to follow up. Chest pain can signal a variety of treatable conditions. Your provider may order tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, echocardiogram, or imaging studies to better understand the cause.
What Can You Expect from a Cardiac Evaluation?
At Epic Cardiology, our team takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing the cause of chest pain. We begin with a careful history and physical exam, followed by testing tailored to your symptoms and risk factors. Our goal is to rule out life-threatening conditions while also addressing other potential causes that may impact your well-being.
Some patients may require only lifestyle adjustments or medication. Others may need more advanced testing or procedures to manage underlying heart or vascular issues. Whatever the cause, we guide each patient through a clear and thoughtful plan.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained chest pain or discomfort, don’t wait to get answers. Chest pain can stem from many causes, and timely evaluation is the key to peace of mind and proper care.
Epic Cardiology provides support for patients across the Greater Los Angeles region, with clinics serving Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us to learn more about services near you and take the next step toward clarity and confidence in your heart health.