World Heart Day 2023: Causes and conditions other than heart attacks that lead to chest pain

The common symptoms of heart attack include pain and discomfort that radiates to the neck, shoulder, upper limb, back and even the upper part of the abdomen

When the blood flowing through the heart is severely compromised due to a block in one of the vessels, it is known as a heart attack or myocardial infarction. This block in the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries) may be because of the deposition of cholesterol that forms the plaques. A plaque in some other vessel may become a clot and migrate to the coronary vessels, resulting in a similar condition.

The common symptoms that are used to identify a heart attack include pain and discomfort that radiates to the neck, shoulder, upper limb, back and even the upper part of the abdomen. Additional symptoms may include cold sweats, lightheadedness, and difficulty breathing. The most critical symptom is severe, sharp chest pain.

Though chest pain is one of the cardinal signs of a myocardial infarction, it is essential to know that such pain may be caused due to reasons that are not necessarily this fatal.

Here’s a list of conditions or diseases that can lead to chest pain and how to ascertain whether the underlying cause is a heart attack, or something that mimics it.

Pneumonia: This lung condition can also cause chest pain, which is of pleuritic type, and worsens on breathing. It is often present only on one side and is localised. Chest pain in such conditions may be accompanied by dyspnea, cough, fever and clicking or rattling sounds heard when a person breathes in (medically termed rales).

Gastrointestinal reasons: Oesophageal reflux may last for 10 minutes to an hour and cause a burning sensation. The pain may be below the sternum and can worsen on lying down after a meal. It is relieved by antacids. On the other hand, the oesophageal spasm lasts for around 30 minutes and causes tightness in the chest, pressure, and burning. The pain is felt behind the sternum.

Acute aortic syndrome: This is a disorder of the largest blood vessel in the body, known as the aorta. This condition also results in unrelenting pain that occurs suddenly. The pain is knife-like or ripping and radiates to the back, between the scapulae (or the shoulder blades). It is usually related to increased blood pressure and a loss of pulsations in the peripheral vessels (like the pulse on the foot).

Cervical disk: A problem in the cervical disk (present at the back of the neck) can lead to sudden pain that can include numbness. It radiates to the arms and shoulders and worsens on moving the neck.

Psychological causes: High intensity of emotions can lead to a feeling of tightness in the chest and may be accompanied by difficulty in breathing. These symptoms are combined with a sense of panic or impending doom. Factors like a history of panic attacks or depression can lead to such pain, often retrosternal.

Some of the above conditions warrant the presence of a healthcare provider, while others may be relieved without much intervention. It is crucial not to panic if you experience chest pain and to tell the medical professional your exact symptoms for them to reach the correct diagnosis.