Most of the times, when we notice pain in the center of the chest, we think that it is a heart attack, but it is possible that the cause is something else. Here are some clues so you can differentiate one from the other
Possible causes of pain in the center of the chest
- Heart attack. As Dr. Vicente Pallarés, from the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians points out,It is the first thing that one thinks when noticing a pain of this type and especially if the pain radiates towards the left side. The most common is that the pain of the heart attack is felt as an oppression that begins in the area of the sternum, which is increasing and does not improve by changing position or with deep inspiration. Sometimes the pain can radiate to the back, jaw, and arms (the left, but sometimes the right), and other symptoms such as shortness of breath, the urge to vomit, and loss of consciousness may appear. It is important to keep in mind that in most cases not all symptoms occur, but a variable combination of them. And that in case of being a woman, the symptoms are different. Although one of the signs of having a heart attack is still a sharp pain in the chest,This is most often radiating to the back, shoulders, neck, or jaw. In addition, the pressure in the chest is often accompanied by burning in the upper abdomen. Cold sweats, shortness of breath, unexplained anxiety, and nausea and vomiting may also be noted; symptoms that in women are more frequent than in men.
- Angina pectoris. It is also manifested by a feeling of tightness, weight, or tightness in the center of the chest. It appears when you do physical exercise or after suffering a strong emotion, lasts about 15 minutes and subsides with rest.Unlike a heart attack, the pain is less intense and is similar to when you eat quickly and the food gets stuck in your mouth stomach. There is no shortness of breath, although a slight feeling of dizziness and light sweating may be noticed. Find out if you take good care of your heart with our test.
- Muscle tension. The pain in the center of the chest can also be muscular and due to poor posture, a very strong cough, or excessive exercise. It gets worse with movement or breathing.
- Costochondritis. It is the inflammation of some of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. Often there is no known cause, but it can be due to a blow, intense exercise, heavy lifting … The pain that is felt is stabbing and in the chest (often on the left side of the sternum), although it can be transferred to the back or stomach. It is usually worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
- Pneumothorax. It occurs when air leaks between the lung and the membrane that covers it. In addition to pain, it is also difficult to breathe.
- Pericarditis It is the inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart. The most common symptom is severe stabbing pain in the chest, behind the breastbone, or on the left side of the chest. Pain is often increased with deep breathing, lying flat, coughing, and swallowing. Instead, it is usually relieved when you sit upright, lie down, or lean forward. Other common symptoms are fever, anxiety, shortness of breath, cough, or tiredness.
- Gastroesophageal reflux. The pain is accompanied by burning. The latter usually appears after eating and could be worse at night.
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