Causes of chest painThere are a number of different conditions that can cause chest pain. You should always seek medical advice to make sure you get a proper diagnosis. Show
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, you may need further investigation. Heart attackA heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is suddenly blocked. Chest pain is more likely to be caused by a heart attack if it:
AnginaAngina is a condition where the blood supply to the muscles of the heart is restricted. Chest pain caused by angina is usually triggered by physical activity (exertion). It usually gets better with rest after a few minutes. Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. This can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that may get worse when you breathe in. It can also be accompanied by:
PericarditisPericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding your heart. This can cause a sudden, sharp and stabbing pain in your chest. It may also cause more of a dull ache. This pain usually gets worse when you lie down. Lung conditionsLung conditions that can cause chest pain include:
Conditions affecting the lungs can cause sharp chest pain that:
If someone has severe pneumonia or pleurisy, they may also have symptoms like:
Seek medical advice immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of:
Other causes of chest painThere are many other potential causes of chest pain, including:
Last updated: If you have sudden chest pain, always have it checked out by a doctor to make sure your heart is healthy. Chest pain isn’t always serious. It could be caused by a mostly harmless condition called costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone. If you press on your upper ribs and it feels tender, you may have it. One study found that 30% of those complaining of chest pain had costochondritis. While costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain, injury, physical strain, respiratory infection, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, chest wall infections, tumors, or rare conditions like relapsing polychondritis may also cause chest pain. Costochondritis affects both children and adults, and it’s more common in women and Hispanics. There isn’t one known cause of costochondritis. It’s often triggered by strenuous exercise or strain from severe coughing. It can also be brought on, although rarely, by an infection from chest surgery or intravenous, or IV, drug use. Chest wall pain is a main symptom. Most people describe the pain as sharp, achy, and pressure-like. It usually gets worse if you breathe deeply or move your
upper body. When you press on your chest, it feels tender and painful. The pain usually lasts for a few weeks or months, but about a third of those with costochondritis will have it for about a year. DiagnosisYour doctor will do a physical exam, pressing on your chest to check for areas of tenderness. They will also take a look at your range of motion and listen to your breathing. If you’re over 35, at risk for coronary artery disease, a blood clot, or you recently had a respiratory infection, your doctor may order additional tests like a chest X-ray and EKG to rule out more serious problems. How Is It Treated?Your doctor will focus on pain relief, and will probably recommend one or more of the following:
Your doctor may also give you information on how to improve your posture and fix any muscle imbalances. If the pain won’t go away, your doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory medicine, or corticosteroid, in the area that hurts. What causes pain between breasts in center of chest?Costochondritis. This condition, an inflammation in the chest wall between the ribs and the breastbone, can trigger a stabbing, aching pain that's often mistaken for a heart attack. Costochondritis is commonly caused by trauma or overuse injuries, often during contact sports, or it may accompany arthritis.
What does it mean when you have a pain in the middle of your breast?Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.
What is in the middle of your chest between your breast?Your sternum is located in the middle of your chest and is also known as the breastbone. It protects the organs of your torso from injury and serves as a connection point for other bones and muscles. Your sternum is a bone that's located in the middle of your chest.
When should I worry about middle chest pain?Call 911 or have someone take you to the closest emergency room right away if you have chest pain that lasts longer than five minutes and doesn't go away when you rest or take medication. Cardiac chest pain can be life-threatening. Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack.
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