Chest pain can come from a lot of things. These include:
A heart attack
Angina (see Angina)
Lung problems. (Examples: pneumonia (see Pneumonia), bronchitis (see Bronchitis),
a blood clot in the lung, a collapsed lung or an injured rib)
A hiatal hernia
Heartburn (see Heartburn)
Shingles (see Shingles)
A pulled muscle
Mitral valve prolapse. A common disorder,
especially in women, in which the mitral valve of the heart fails to close properly. In
most people, this is not a serious problem.
Anxiety (see Anxiety)
Swallowing too much air
How do you know when you need medical help for chest pain? It's not always easy to tell. If you're not sure why your chest hurts, it's best to check it out. Getting help for a heart attack or lung injury could save your life.
Are any of these problems present? Chest pressure or pain (may spread
to the arm, neck, or jaw) Feeling of chest tightness, squeezing, or
heaviness that last more than a few minutes, or go away and come back Chest discomfort with: Shortness of breath
or trouble breathing; nausea and/or vomiting; sweating; uneven pulse or heartbeat; or
sense of doom |
 |
| Did the chest pain result from a serious injury? Does it hurt all
the time and/or is it getting worse? |
|
| Does the chest pain occur in a person who has had a recent
operation or illness that has kept them in bed? |
|
| Does the chest pain occur in a person with a history of heart
problems or in a person with angina, and not respond to prescribed medicine? |
|
| Is there trouble breathing along with the chest pain? Does it get
worse when taking deep breaths or when you touch your chest or ribs? |
 |
| Are one or more of the following present? Fever Coughing up mucus of any color (green,
yellow, gray, etc.) |
|
| Do you have any of these problems with the chest pain? Palpitations Lightheadedness Dizziness, feeling faint Fatigue Anxiety A heart murmur heard by a health care
provider |
|
| Does the chest pain come with belching and/or a burning feeling
just above the stomach? Does it come and go before, during, or after eating? Does it
worsen when bending or lying down? |
|
| Do all of these conditions describe the chest pain? It's only on one side of the chest. It's unaffected by breathing. A burning feeling and a skin rash are at the
same place as the chest pain. |
 |
For Chest Pain that Results from a Pulled Muscle
or Minor Injury to the Rib Cage:
Do not strain the muscle or ribs
while pain is felt.
Rest.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain.
{Note: See Pain relievers
in "Your Home Pharmacy".}
Do call your doctor, though, if the pain
lasts longer than two days.
For Chest Pain Associated with a Hiatal Hernia:
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Eat 5-6 small meals a day, instead of 3
large ones.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, spicy
foods, peppermint, chocolate, citrus juices, and carbonated beverages.
Do not eat food or drink milk 2 hours
before going to bed.
Don't bend over or lie down after eating.
Do not wear tight clothes, tight belts, or
girdles.
Raise the head of your bed about 6 inches
(40-degree angle) when you sleep.
For Chest Pain that Results from Anxiety and
Hyperventilation:
Talk about your anxiety with family,
friends, and clergy. If this is not enough, you may need the help of a counselor or
psychiatrist.
When you hyperventilate, cover your mouth
and nose with a paper bag. Breathe into the paper bag slowly and rebreathe the air. Do
this in and out at least 10 times. Remove the bag and breathe normally a few minutes.
Repeat breathing in and out of the paper bag as needed.
Don't take too much aspirin or other drugs
that have salicylates.
For Chest Pain Associated with Mitral Valve
Prolapse (MVP):
Eat healthy foods. Avoid
caffeine.
After checking with your doctor, exercise
regularly to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Deal with and control stress and avoid
anxiety-producing situations, if possible.
Don't smoke.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99