I recently had some unusual tightness in my chest. Concerned, I had some tests done and fortunately it wasn’t a heart attack — it was related to a recent bout of bronchitis and coughing. Chest pain can vary widely, from a mild, dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. While it is commonly associated with heart disease, it can also stem from many other causes unrelated to the heart.
So how can you tell if chest pain is something serious?
Heart-related chest pain can present differently for each person. Women and individuals with diabetes may experience unusual or mild symptoms. In general, chest pain due to a heart problem may be accompanied by one or more of the following:
• Heaviness, pressure, burning, or tightness in the chest
• Intense, crushing pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, back, shoulders, or one or both arms
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Discomfort lasting more than a few minutes, worsening over time
• Pain that subsides and then returns
•Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion
• Cold sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not ignore them. Seek immediate medical help.
Chest pain can also result from other conditions affecting the lungs, muscles, bones, digestive system, or even stress and anxiety. These conditions include pneumonia, acid reflux and costochondritis, and to name a few. The pain is less likely to be heart-related if it:
• Is a sudden, stabbing sensation lasting only a few seconds
• Feels sharp or knifelike and occurs with breathing or coughing
• Worsens with deep breathing or coughing
• Changes with body position
• Is tender when pressing on a specific area of the chest
• Is accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth or difficulty swallowing
• Affects only one side of the body
• Persists for hours or days without other symptoms
Unlike a leg cramp or a sore back, chest pain should never be ignored. It’s also not something to self-diagnose by searching the internet or asking friends for advice on medication. If you have new or unexplained chest pain, or suspect a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately. Every minute counts when it comes to preventing permanent heart damage. Many people delay seeking help, thinking they’re too young or too fit to have a heart attack. But heart attacks can happen to anyone.
Once you see a doctor, you will be evaluated quickly. You’ll likely undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests to determine if the pain is heart-related.
To assist your doctors in making a quick and accurate diagnosis, be ready to provide clear answers to these questions:
What does the pain feel like (pressure, tightness, burning, etc.)?
Where is the pain located?
Does it radiate to any other part of the body?
When did it start?
Has it worsened or remained the same?
Is it constant or does it come and go?
Have you felt this before?
What were you doing when it started?
Is there anything that makes it better or worse?
All chest pain should be evaluated by a doctor. You can never be sure on your own what is causing it, so getting checked sooner rather than later ensures you receive the right treatment.
And don’t worry - doctors won’t be upset if your chest pain turns out to be a false alarm. On the contrary, they will commend you for making the right decision to seek medical attention. When it comes to your heart, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.