Chest pain is not always the heart

Chest pain is always a cause of worry, but does every chest pain indicate heart disease? No. Every chest pain is not related to the heart.

Ones should categorically understand the various types of pain as these may be related to the ribs, muscles, lungs and alimentary tracts within the chest cavity. Any of the organs may create the pain in the chest.

Researchers say as high as 25 per cent of the chest pain is non-cardiac. Nearly 22 per cent pain occurs due to reflux or acidity in the gastrointestinal tract. This kind of acidity is also called GERD. It also may cause pain in the chest and burning.

Changes in the lifestyle, weight loss and an antacid may cure the problem. Rib fracture and lung problems may cause pain. Women’s Osteoporosis may cause minor fractures in the ribs. Fracture of the backbone may also result in pain. Acidity due to the constipation may cause chest pain. Sometimes, we feel pain in the chest due to anxiety, fear and depression. We must not ignore any chest pain and serious attention must be paid to such symptoms.

On the other hand, heart related chest pain emerges from centre of the chest and creates a tight and heavy sensation on the left part of the chest. It later radiates to the left arm, shoulder and jaw. Rest decreases the pain. The signs of heart disease include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and feeling faint.

If you are overweight, over 40 years old and if you have any diabetes, high blood pressure, you are at risk.

Whenever such pains occur in the chest, a physician much be consulted immediately.
*The writer is senior consultant, cardiology, Bangladesh Medical College and Hospital. This piece has been rewritten in English by Toriqul Islam