Surprising Potential Causes For Your Chest Pain: What You Should Know

Health & Medical Blog

When you are going about your day and you suddenly begin to feel chest pain, no matter how severe or the type, you likely begin to feel panic. After all, if you have ever gone to the doctor with chest pain before or have seen it in others, you know that doctors always immediately check for heart attacks in a rush and flurry of activity. However, in spite of this possible cause of your chest pain, there are many others aside from a heart attack. Get to know some of these more surprising potential causes for your chest pain so that you are more aware of the realities of chest pain. 

Peptic Ulcers or Other Gastrointestinal Issues

Chest pain is not always caused by a cardiovascular issue. In fact, stomach, esophageal, and intestinal issues can often be the culprit of your chest pain. Acid reflux caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), for example can sometimes be the cause. Acid reflux, also called heartburn, can sometimes cause a dull, aching chest pain rather than the usual burning sensation.

Additionally, peptic ulcers—which are sores in the lining of the intestines—can cause a person to feel pain in their chest. This pain often is dull in nature and can feel as though it originates from behind the chest bone. Many people panic when they experience this sensation, especially if they have not been diagnosed with peptic ulcers. 

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Many people do not realize that mental health issues or acute panic or anxiety can cause seemingly serious physical symptoms. People who are suffering from anxiety disorders may not realize that their tension, fear, worries, and the like that they experience on a regular basis can cause physical issues like stomach discomfort and chest pain. 

Panic attacks, in particular, can be even more disconcerting. Whether a person suffers from an anxiety disorder or not, they may experience a panic attack at a time of extreme stress. These attacks can masquerade as heart attacks with symptoms including severe chest pain including a dull ache, sharp pains, pressure on the chest, and shortness of breath. 

A first-time sufferer of panic attacks can easily assume they are having a heart attack because of the stressful circumstances and the sudden, severe symptoms. Once diagnosed with panic attacks or an anxiety disorder, it can be somewhat easier to tell the difference, but still scary and disconcerting when it happens. 

Now that you know a few of the more surprising causes of chest pain, you can keep these issues in mind the next time you experience any discomfort in your chest. However, this does not mean that you should avoid seeking medical attention (at centers like Alpert Zales & Castro Pediatric Cardiology) when you feel this type of pain. Seeking out medical care when you experience chest pain is the responsible thing to do and should never be avoided, even if you have a history of the previously mentioned health problems. This new information can help you to avoid unnecessary panic, though, so that you can remain calm and take better care of your health and safety. 

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10 September 2015