Chest pains can be alarming, but they are not always an indication of a heart attack. In fact, not all chest pains are caused by heart problems. Sometimes, chest pains can stem from issues that are not even related to your chest or heart.

That said, it is essential to understand the different types of chest pains and their associated symptoms to help you seek medical attention promptly when necessary.

What causes chest pains?

Several factors could lead to chest pains. The most common ones include:.

Heart-related problems such as heartburn, angina, or a heart attack
Lung-related issues such as pneumonia, pleurisy, or pulmonary embolism
Non-heart-related issues such as stress, anxiety, or costochondritis

Chest pains that originate from the heart are the most severe and often require immediate medical attention. The following are the most common heart-related chest pains:.

Heart attack

A heart attack is a medical emergency caused by a blocked artery in the heart. Its symptoms include a tight and heavy chest, nausea, sweating, and shortness of breath. In some cases, a heart attack may not even present any chest pain at all.

Angina

Angina is chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart. The pain can be sharp, dull, or a burning sensation. It may spread to your arms, neck, jaw, and back, and last from a few minutes to several hours.

Heartburn

Heartburn results from the stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Chest pains due to heartburn are often described as a burning sensation that worsens after eating.

In some cases, heartburn can be relieved by taking over-the-counter antacid medication.

Chest pains originating from the lungs are often sharp and make breathing painful. The following are the most common lung-related chest pains:.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes chest pains, coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. It is vital to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms to avoid complications.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is a condition in which the lining between the lungs and ribcage becomes inflamed, leading to chest pains. The pain becomes worse with breathing, coughing, or sneezing and can be relieved by taking a shallow breath.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the lung’s arteries caused by a blood clot from another part of the body, such as the legs. Chest pains due to pulmonary embolism come suddenly and are often accompanied by shortness of breath and coughing.

Several other factors can cause chest pains that are unrelated to the heart. Although these are not usually life-threatening, they can still be debilitating, and it is essential to seek medical attention.

The most common non-heart-related chest pains include:.

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can cause chest pains that feel sharp and transient. The pain often goes away with time or relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. Chest pains due to costochondritis can feel like a heart attack but occur mostly on one side of the chest and worsen when moving or taking deep breaths.

When should you seek medical attention?

You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:.

Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes
Chest pain that spreads to your neck, arm, jaw, or back
Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting
Chest pain that happens during physical activity or stress
Chest pain that occurs with a rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain that happens after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other heart-related procedure

It is always better to be cautious and seek medical attention if you are not sure about the cause of your chest pains. Remember that prompt medical attention can save your life.

Conclusion

Chest pains can be a sign of various serious or benign conditions. It is essential to learn how to identify their associated symptoms to seek medical attention promptly when necessary.

Not all chest pains are related to heart problems, and some may be benign. However, it is essential to be cautious and seek medical attention if needed. If you experience chest pains, take action, and seek medical attention promptly.