Things you need to know
-Chest pain can feel like a squeezing pain or pressure on the chest.
-A panic episode can also induce chest discomfort and lead to a significant increase in heart rate.
-Chest pain (Angina) happens when there isn’t sufficient flow of blood to the heart muscle.
Chest pain feels like a pinching pain or burning in the chest. In severe cases, the pain gets transferred to the neck and jaw and may spread widely to the spine and arms. Chest pain can be triggered by different sensations depending upon the symptoms. It is best to always consult the doctor before starting with any medication.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation that pinches your chest. Heartburn is usually caused by stomach acids that travel up the oesophagus, which connects the throat to the stomach.
Muscle inflammation
The strain on muscles around the ribs area can result in chest pain. A sharp or dull ache, swelling, difficulty moving the area where the muscles are inflamed, pain when breathing are all due to pain in the chest.
Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the airways become inflamed, making it difficult for the patient to breath and the person starts to feel more and more claustrophobic. Asthma attacks can leave people with chest pain, inflaming their airways.
Panic attack
People with panic attacks feel their chest has been congested, making it difficult to breathe. The chest pain is the result of dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating and feeling nauseated.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection, and it can cause sharp or stabbing pain in the chest.
Heart attack
People with heart attacks experience sudden pain in the chest, jaw, arms, and shoulders. Women who have had a heart attack may suddenly feel exhausted, nauseated, or vomit.
Angina
When the heart does not receive enough blood, it causes chest pain which feels like a squeezing or pressing sensation. It may also hurt shoulders, back, neck or jaws.
Pleurisy
It is an inflammation of the tissues that divide your lungs from the chest wall. It is characterised by intense chest pain (pleuritic pain) that intensifies with respiration.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a heart-related concern in which the thin sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart swells and irritates (pericardium).
If you feel pressure, squeezing like tightness and crushing around the chest and the pain starts to radiate to your jaws and left arm, then it is clear that the chest pain is of serious concern.
No, it is not normal to have chest pains and especially if the chest pain is persistent, it is recommended to visit the doctor immediately for further clarity.
Chest pain might come on and go every few minutes or over several days. There could be several factors responsible for chest pain that comes and goes like the heart, muscles, digestive system, or psychological factors. The most common cause would be acid reflux.
