Understanding Heart Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Introduction

Heart pain, or chest discomfort, can be a frightening experience, but not all chest pain is related to the heart. It is essential to differentiate between cardiac and non-cardiac causes to take the right action in time.

Common Causes of Heart Pain

1. Cardiac Causes

• Angina Pectoris: A symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It presents as chest pressure or tightness, often triggered by physical activity or stress.
• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is completely blocked, leading to muscle damage. Symptoms include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium (heart lining) that causes sharp, stabbing chest pain, which worsens when lying down or breathing deeply.
• Aortic Dissection: A serious condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears, leading to sharp, severe chest or back pain.

2. Non-Cardiac Causes

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can mimic heart pain and often includes burning sensations in the chest.
• Musculoskeletal Pain: Strained muscles or rib injuries can cause localized chest pain.
• Lung Conditions: Pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or pleuritis can also contribute to chest discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Help

Urgent Symptoms:

• Severe chest pain lasting more than a few minutes.
• Pain radiating to the jaw, arm, or back.
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or cold sweating.
• Nausea or vomiting alongside chest pain.

If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately, as they could indicate a heart attack.

Prevention and Management

• Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote heart health.
• Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
• Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High levels increase the risk of heart disease.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both are significant risk factors for heart disease.
• Manage Stress: Meditation and relaxation techniques can lower heart disease risk.

Conclusion

Heart pain should never be ignored. While not all chest pain is heart-related, it is crucial to recognize cardiac warning signs and seek medical help promptly. Proper lifestyle choices and regular medical check-ups can reduce the risk of heart-related chest pain.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines on the Management of Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
2. https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000095
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077860/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001038

2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320110/

3. ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001309
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25260718/
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000134
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40014670/
5. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2025-guideline-for-the-management-of-patients-with-acute-coronary-syndromes