Logan Steele
Chest pain can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as a heart attack, and should not be ignored. While chest pain is often associated with heart issues, it can also be caused by problems in the lungs or digestive system. Musculoskeletal chest pain, which is pain in the chest wall, can be caused by muscle strains, rib fractures, arthritis, or other rheumatic conditions. Chest pain can also be caused by conditions such as pleurisy, pericarditis, costochondritis, and pulmonary embolism. In some cases, chest pain may be due to a pulled muscle, heartburn, or panic attacks. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing chest pain to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal chest pain | Muscle strains, rib fractures, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, ankylosing spondylitis, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, sternalis syndrome, xiphoid process pain, pleurodynia, pleuritis, intercostal muscle strains, pulled muscles, heartburn, angina, costochondritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, hiatal hernia, stable angina, acute pancreatitis, panic attacks, pericarditis |
| Chest pain causes | Heart issues, lung issues, digestive system issues, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, shingles, lung cancer, heart attack, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma triggers, respiratory infections, chickenpox |
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Strained chest muscle
A strained chest muscle, also known as a pulled muscle or muscle strain, is a common cause of chest pain. It occurs when you tear or stretch a muscle in your chest, which can happen due to overstretching, twisting, or impact force. This can be caused by injury or trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or repetitive and forceful movements involving the chest muscle, such as swinging a tennis racquet or playing football.
People with strained chest muscles often experience extreme chest discomfort and pain, which can make it difficult to perform daily activities. The pain typically increases with movement of the chest or upper spine and may worsen when breathing deeply, coughing, or sneezing. In addition to pain, a strained chest muscle can cause muscle spasms, swelling, and bruising.
If you suspect you have a strained chest muscle, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will determine if the strain is acute, due to injury or trauma, or chronic, due to repetitive use, and will assign a grade based on the severity of the injury. Grade 1 strains are mild, with minor damage to the muscle fibres and minimal impact on range of motion and muscle function. Grade 2 strains are moderate tears with more extensive damage to the muscle fibres, resulting in a significant loss of strength and motion. Grade 3 strains are complete ruptures of the muscle that may require surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone.
Treatment for a strained chest muscle typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Your doctor may recommend RICE for the first two days following your injury, along with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In some cases, physical therapy or changes to your exercise routine may be recommended to build strength and prevent future injuries. With proper care, most strained chest muscles can heal within a few weeks.
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Heart attack
Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, which occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. This is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques, and the process of buildup is called atherosclerosis.
Other symptoms of a heart attack include unusual or unexplained tiredness, nausea, vomiting, feeling weak, light-headed, or faint, and breaking into a cold sweat. Women may experience atypical symptoms such as brief or sharp pain in the neck, arm, or back.
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Rheumatic conditions
Chest pain can be caused by issues with the heart, lungs, or digestive system. Some causes are life-threatening and require immediate treatment. It is paramount to get a diagnosis when in doubt.
Musculoskeletal chest pain is pain in the chest wall, the framework of muscles and bones that enclose the heart and lungs. Musculoskeletal conditions and cardiac (heart-related) conditions are both common causes of chest pain that bring people to the hospital. Musculoskeletal chest pain has many possible causes, and injuries and rheumatic diseases are among the most common.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the cartilage cushioning the joints. It can affect the sternoclavicular joint and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. RA can also lead to pericarditis, which is inflammation of the heart lining and can cause chest pain. While musculoskeletal injury is the most common cause of chest pain in RA patients, other related causes include costochondritis, pleurisy, and rheumatoid nodules.
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Pleurodynia
The symptoms of pleurodynia typically last about two to four days in adults and one to two days in children. In rare cases, the pain and fever can persist or recur over three weeks or longer. The illness predominantly affects people under 30, although older individuals can also be affected. Pleurodynia is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and an individual's medical history. Laboratory testing, such as white blood cell counts, can be conducted to assess for infection. Imaging, such as chest and abdominal X-rays, is typically normal in individuals with pleurodynia. An ECG may be performed to rule out heart-related conditions.
There is no vaccine for pleurodynia, and in healthy individuals, the infection is typically harmless and self-limiting, resolving within a few days. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, often with over-the-counter pain relievers. To prevent infection, thorough handwashing is recommended, especially before meals or after using the bathroom.
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Panic attack
Chest pain is a common symptom of anxiety and panic attacks. It is caused by the release of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which amplify your energy output by expanding your airways, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, and redistributing blood to your muscles. The sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure alone can trigger chest pain and tightness.
Hyperventilation during panic attacks can also contribute to chest pain by placing extreme stress on the intercostal muscles of the chest wall. The fear experienced during an attack can further magnify the perception of pain.
Physiological changes in cardiorespiratory function during panic attacks can lead to stimulation of the locus ceruleus, a brain territory rich in noradrenergic neurons. This stimulation causes increases in anxiety and sympathetic tone, which can lead to tachycardia, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia. The pain of ischemia can then lead to increased anxiety, creating a cycle of progressive anxiety and ischemia.
If you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions or life-threatening causes.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle pain in the chest can be caused by a muscle strain or a pulled muscle, which can be caused by impact injuries, overuse, or overstretching.
Chest pain can also be caused by heart or lung issues, digestive issues, or issues with the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis or rib fractures.
If your chest pain lasts longer than five minutes and doesn't go away with rest or medication, seek immediate medical attention. Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, which are medical emergencies.
A pulled muscle in the chest may cause sharp pains when moving or breathing, as well as swelling, muscle spasms, and bruising.
Treatment for chest pain depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. If the pain is caused by a pulled muscle, it can often be treated with rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy.
