We've all felt that unsettling chest pain at some point - but does it always mean trouble for your heart? Not necessarily! As it turns out, chest pain can be caused by a wide range of issues, from digestive troubles to chest-related ailments. The key is to pay attention to the specifics: how severe is the pain? How often does it occur? Where is it located? By taking a closer look at these factors, we can better understand what might be causing your discomfort. Let's dive in!

Myocardial infarction - chest pain for a few minutes or even a hours

When it comes to a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, the warning signs aren't always crystal clear. In fact, it's not until the blood vessel is 70-80% blocked that most patients start to feel chest tightness and pain - and even then, it's not uncommon for other symptoms to crop up, like night sweats, vomiting, and more. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's crucial to seek medical attention ASAP. After all, if a blood vessel becomes fully blocked, it can cause the heart muscle to die off and the heart to stop beating altogether.

Angina pectoris - udden chest pain

Ever felt that unexpected chest pain while chasing after a bus or climbing some stairs? It could be a sign of angina pectoris, a condition that causes sudden pain in the heart. This discomfort tends to come and go quickly - usually lasting just a minute or two - but if it's ignored, there's a risk of developing a blocked coronary artery. 

Mitral valve prolapse - constant oppressive pain and discomfort

Mitral valve prolapse - while not an immediate danger - can be a real pain in the chest for many tall, thin women. This condition often causes constant discomfort and a rapid heartbeat, but surprisingly, some patients don't even realize they have it until a routine check-up. While the symptoms are usually mild, they can still be disruptive and inconvenient. It's important to stay on top of any cardiac changes and seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Aortic dissection - severe pain

Aortic dissection is a serious condition with a high mortality rate and no warning signs to speak of. Most patients report a sudden, stabbing pain that feels like a knife cutting through their body. The location of the pain can vary depending on where the blood flow is blocked, with some feeling like their chest and back are being ripped apart, while others experience intense discomfort in their neck and lower back. In some cases, seizures can occur, leading to a cascade of complications that can quickly spiral out of control. Every second counts in these situations.

Myocardial bridge - recurrent chest pain during exercise

A myocardial bridge is a condition where the coronary arteries are misaligned from birth, leading to reduced blood flow and recurrent angina during physical activity. Artist Chapman To revealed that he too had this congenital condition and had to abandon his dreams of competing in bodybuilding. Although some patients may not experience any symptoms throughout their lives, the sudden onset of symptoms can result in sudden death.

Gastroesophageal reflux - Chest pain with burning sensation

Gastroesophageal reflux will cause heartburn and is a digestive disorder that plagues city dwellers. When the acid in your stomach sloshes up into your oesophagus, it can cause some serious discomfort. And since your oesophagus is smack dab in the middle of your chest, this pesky condition can mimic the symptoms of heart disease. Most cases of acid reflux are accompanied by a fiery sensation that sets your chest ablaze.

If you experience any chest pain that is intermittent, persistent, or occasional, it's important to seek advice from a medical specialist without delay. An initial assessment and thorough examination can help identify the underlying cause of your chest pain, ensuring that it does not go overlooked or untreated.

<Make Appointment>