You’ve often heard that chest pain is not a good sign, often signaling heart problems or even a heart attack. And while this is true, it’s also possible for chest pain to occur for other reasons. This post will explore the differences between chest pain associated with heart conditions and conditions like gas causing pain in your chest.
What Causes Chest Pain?
You should never ignore chest pain. In fact, it’s common for people to dismiss symptoms of a heart attack as “gas” or “indigestion.” This is particularly true if it occurs right after a meal. But there may be some overlap between chest pain associated with heart problems, and gastrointestinal disorders causing chest discomfort.
Common causes of chest pain include circulatory and cardiovascular problems, such as:
- Heart attack – caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart
- Angina – chest pain that occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the heart
- Myocarditis – inflammation affecting the heart itself
- Cardiomyopathy – a disease affecting the heart muscle
- Pericarditis – inflammation of the protective layer around the heart
However, there are also other causes of chest pain related to gastrointestinal issues:
- Heartburn, also known as acid reflux
- Esophageal Disorders
- Gallstones
- Pancreatic Inflammation
Can Gas Cause Pain In The Chest? Dyspepsia Explained
Feelings of bloating, gas, flatulence, stomach discomfort, and heartburn are all symptoms that can be grouped under a condition known as dyspepsia. As far as chest pain is concerned, you might experience symptoms such as stinging, burning, or slight stabbing in the chest. These may be triggered, though, by certain activities, foods, or digestive conditions.
How To Tell The Difference Between Gas Pain and Heart Pain
Gas pain can be quite worrisome because it might be tough to tell the symptoms of dyspepsia from those of a heart attack. Therefore, you should try to describe the kind of chest pain you’re experiencing to the best of your ability. If your pain matches any of the following descriptions, you might be experiencing a heart-related issue or a heart attack:
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness and fatigue
- Persistent nausea
- A feeling of forceful pressure on the chest
- Pain in the jaw (more common with women)
- Pain spreading to other parts of the upper body (neck, shoulders, arms, jaw, or back)
If any of these symptoms are consistent with your pain, it’s a good idea to call emergency medical services.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that since the risk of experiencing cardiac problems is so high, a doctor will not merely perform a physical examination. It’s common for doctors to recommend an ECG to monitor your heart rhythms and check for abnormalities. But once heart issues have been ruled out, a qualified gastroenterologist will be able to help you get relief from your gas pain in the chest.
At the Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center, we have significant experience in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with our board-certified gastroenterologists, please give us a call at (281) 357-1977. We will be happy to help you enhance your quality of life and show you why we’re the best GI in Tomball.