At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are the Most Common Causes of Sudden Chest Pain?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
The occurrence of a sudden chest pain can often cause an individual to assume that he or she is experiencing a heart attack. In actuality, there are a number of different reasons why some form of chest pain may occur from time to time. Some of those reasons are as simple as a reaction to medication, the presence of depression or anxiety, or straining of of the muscles in the upper arms or along the upper portion of the chest.
One common cause for sudden chest pain is the presence of some type of ongoing health issue that is not connected with the heart. For example, people with asthma may sometimes feel painful twinges on one or both sides of the chest. Depression and anxiety are manifested by a number of different physical symptoms that come and go with no set pattern, including sudden chest pain. In situations where the pain can be linked to a specific ongoing emotional or physical health condition, treating that underlying condition will often cause the chest pain to cease.
There are also short-term ailments that can lead to a bout of sudden chest pain. Inflammation of the chest wall can create pain that is very much like that of a heart attack, and may seem to recur at times when the individual is fatigued or attempting to rest. Accidentally straining muscles in the upper chest can lead to chest pain that recurs throughout the course of the day. A sudden gall bladder attack will cause a great deal of pain in the chest area, which will not subside until medication is administered. Should something cause the esophagus to spasm, the pain that results can be extremely uncomfortable as well as frightening.
Along with these less intimidating reasons for sudden chest pain, the discomfort could also be a warning sign that something is not functioning properly with the heart. The root cause of the pain may be something as simple as an enlarged heart or fluid collecting around the heart. The pain may also be due to a blockage in one or more of the arteries, or some other defect that is making it difficult for the heart to function as it should. Since sudden chest pain may be a sign that something is seriously wrong, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Doing so will make it possible to receive treatment that may help prevent a heart attack, or at identify a lesser health issue that is causing the problem and receive relief in a short period of time.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![A reaction to a medication is a common cause of sudden chest pain.]()
By: nebariA reaction to a medication is a common cause of sudden chest pain. -
![Exposure to an irritant such as mold can cause sudden chest pain.]()
By: kmiragayaExposure to an irritant such as mold can cause sudden chest pain. -
![Chest pain that occurs following an amputation should be reported to a doctor immediately.]()
By: memoriszChest pain that occurs following an amputation should be reported to a doctor immediately. -
![In some cases, people who are overly stressed and anxious experience sudden chest pain.]()
By: Photographee.euIn some cases, people who are overly stressed and anxious experience sudden chest pain. -
![Asthma can sometimes cause sudden chest pains.]()
By: uwimagesAsthma can sometimes cause sudden chest pains.
Discussion Comments
Chest pain can be a result of working the chest muscles harder than usual. Weight lifters who focus on the chest muscles, like when they bench pressing, might get chest pain and rib pain the next day or a couple days later. It's nothing more than soreness, but the location of the pain can make you worry.
One thing that jumps out at me from reading this article is how it talks about the way depression and anxiety can cause sudden chest pain. Too often we dismiss depression and tell people to just get over it. The information here just goes to show that depression is real and causes physical problems as well as emotional and mental problems.
Gas can cause sudden chest pain. I had dinner with a friend one night. She is a amateur chef, an amazing cook. Whenever I go to her place for dinner I feel like I am going out for fine dining. The dinner that night included Brussels sprouts. I ate quite a few of them, and instead of drinking water, I was drinking orange juice with the meal.
About 15 minutes after the meal, I was in so much pain I had to lie down on her sofa. My chest felt like it was going to explode at any moment. The pain was all over my chest, but the left side chest pain was the worse Even though I didn't feel like I could really be having a heart attack, the thought did pop into my head for a moment.
Well, as you probably figured out I was suffering from a case of terrible gas brought on mostly by the combination of Brussels sprout and orange juice.
Post your comments