Chest Pain - Causes, Conditions & When to See a Doctor
Chest pain is any discomfort or pain felt in the area between the neck and upper abdomen. It can have many causes, ranging from minor issues to serious, life-threatening conditions.
Overview
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. While it can be caused by many conditions, it is important to take chest pain seriously as it may indicate a heart attack or other cardiac emergency.
Conditions That Cause Chest Pain
Chest Pain can be associated with several medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is important for proper treatment.
GERD
Common causeGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
Coronary Artery Disease
Common causeCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, caused by plaque buildup in the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent worry and fear that interferes with daily activities.
Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body.
When to See a Doctor for Chest Pain
Seek immediate emergency care if chest pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, sweating, nausea, or dizziness. These could be signs of a heart attack.
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Related Symptoms
People experiencing chest pain may also notice these symptoms:
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.