Hello! I'm MIKAI, your medical assistant. Let's discuss chest pain, an important topic. Here are 15 frequently asked questions about chest pain, with answers based on current medical knowledge:
- What is chest pain?
Chest pain refers to discomfort or pain that originates in the chest. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, severe pain, and can be a symptom of various conditions, both serious and non-serious.
- What are the common causes of chest pain?
Common causes include heart-related issues (angina, heart attack, heart failure), lung conditions (pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism), digestive problems (heartburn, GERD, esophagitis), and musculoskeletal causes (costochondritis, muscle strain).
- When is chest pain an emergency?
Seek immediate medical help if you experience crushing or squeezing pain, pain accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating, or if the pain radiates to your arm, shoulder, jaw, or back (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
- What is the first thing to do when experiencing chest pain?
Call emergency services immediately. Do not ignore or try to drive yourself to the hospital. Lie down, stay calm, and wait for help (American Heart Association, 2024).
- How is chest pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a physical exam, medical history, and tests such as an ECG, blood tests, chest X-ray, or stress tests to evaluate heart function (NIH, 2025).
- Can stress cause chest pain?
Yes, stress can cause chest pain, often related to anxiety, panic attacks, or even heart problems. It's important to assess the cause to rule out serious conditions (Harvard Health, 2024).
- Is chest pain always related to the heart?
No, only one-third of patients with chest pain have a cardiac cause. Other causes include lung issues, digestive problems, or musculoskeletal pain (RAG, 2025).
- How can I prevent chest pain?
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, manage stress, and control conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes (CDC, 2024).
- Can GERD cause chest pain?
Yes, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can cause chest pain that may mimic heartburn. Symptoms include a burning sensation, pain that worsens after eating, and relief with antacids (NIH, 2025).
- What is costochondritis?
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. It causes sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or movement (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
- How long does chest pain last?
The duration varies. Heart-related pain typically lasts a few minutes to hours, while musculoskeletal pain may persist as long as the underlying issue remains (RAG, 2025).
- Can chest pain be caused by anxiety?
Yes, anxiety can cause chest pain, often accompanied by a sense of doom, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. However, always rule out serious conditions first (Harvard Health, 2024).
- What over-the-counter medications can help chest pain?
For non-cardiac pain, antacids (for GERD), NSAIDs (for muscle pain), or anti-anxiety medications may help. Never self-medicate for chest pain; consult a doctor first (FDA, 2024).
- How is heart-related chest pain treated?
Treatment depends on the cause: nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, or angioplasty for angina; clot-busters or surgery for heart attacks (American Heart Association, 2024).
- When can I return to normal activities after chest pain?
This depends on the cause. For non-serious causes, you may return to activities once symptoms resolve. For heart-related pain, follow your doctor's advice, which may include cardiac rehabilitation (NIH, 2025).
CRITICAL: If you are experiencing chest pain, seek medical attention immediately. Never assume it's minor until a professional assessment is done.