Chest pain is often associated with heart problems and heart attacks, but not all chest pain is related to your heart. Non-cardiac chest pain can have various causes and may be harmless or indicative of a serious underlying condition.

In this article, we’ll discuss what causes non-cardiac chest pain, how to differentiate it from chest pain caused by heart disease, and some treatment options for non-cardiac chest pain.

What Causes Non-Cardiac Chest Pain?

Non-cardiac chest pain can originate from several areas in your chest, including your heart, lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, and nerves. Some of the most common causes of non-cardiac chest pain include:.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This can cause a burning sensation in your chest, often referred to as heartburn. It can also cause chest pain that may feel like a heart attack.

Muscle Strain or Injury

A muscle strain or injury in your chest wall or ribs can cause chest pain. This is especially true if you’ve recently started a new exercise routine or have lifted heavy objects.

The pain may feel sharp or dull, and it can become worse with deep breathing or coughing.

Anxiety or Panic Attacks

Anxiety and panic attacks can manifest in a variety of ways, including chest pain, tightening of the chest, and shortness of breath. This can be frightening for many people, as it may feel like a heart attack.

However, anxiety and panic attacks are not life-threatening.

Chest Infections

Respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis can cause chest pain. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as a cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

Inflammation in the Chest Wall

Inflammation in the chest wall can cause chest pain. This can be due to conditions such as costochondritis, which is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease, such as gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, can cause chest pain. This pain is often located in the upper right or center of your chest and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition where sores develop in the lining of your stomach or small intestine. This can cause chest pain that may be mistaken for a heart attack.

Since non-cardiac chest pain can feel similar to chest pain caused by heart disease, it’s essential to differentiate between the two. However, this can be difficult since both types of pain may share similar symptoms, including:.

Chest pain that may feel tight, achy, or sharp.
Pain that radiates to your neck, arms, back, or jaw.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Sweating, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Nausea or vomiting.

If you are experiencing chest pain, it’s always best to seek medical attention immediately. However, there are some signs that your chest pain is not related to your heart, including:.

The pain is localized to one spot in your chest.
The pain worsens with movement or deep breathing.
The pain is intermittent rather than constant.
You can reproduce the pain by pressing on your chest or ribs.

If your chest pain is severe, new, or has been ongoing for more than a few minutes, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Treatment Options for Non-Cardiac Chest Pain

The treatment for non-cardiac chest pain will depend on the underlying cause. Some potential treatments may include:.

GERD Medication

If your chest pain is caused by GERD, antacids or medications that reduce acid production may help relieve your symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding triggers such as alcohol and caffeine can also help.

Pain Relievers & Muscle Relaxants

If your chest pain is caused by a muscle strain or injury, pain relievers and muscle relaxants may help relieve your symptoms. Rest and ice may also be recommended.

Anxiety Medication & Therapy

If your chest pain is caused by anxiety or panic attacks, medication or therapy may help manage your symptoms. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can also be useful.

Treatment for Underlying Conditions

If your chest pain is caused by an underlying condition such as peptic ulcer or gallbladder disease, treatment for that condition may relieve your chest pain.

Conclusion

Chest pain can be a frightening symptom, but not all chest pain is related to heart problems.

Non-cardiac chest pain can have various causes, including GERD, muscle strain or injury, anxiety, chest infections, inflammation in the chest wall, gallbladder disease, and peptic ulcer disease. It’s essential to differentiate non-cardiac chest pain from heart-related chest pain, but this can be difficult since both types of pain may share similar symptoms. If you are experiencing chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment for non-cardiac chest pain will depend on the underlying cause.