In the movies, we see actors fall over clutching at their chests, and we assume it’s a heart attack. In reality, there are a lot of other reasons for chest pain. While chest pain should never be ignored, it doesn’t always point to a heart issue.
What can Cause Chest Pain Besides the Heart?
- GERD, otherwise known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is acid reflux that causes chest pain. It is one of the more common reasons for chest pain that is not heart related. Other, less common issues include esophageal muscles or hypersensitivity.
- Stress, anxiety or depression can contribute to tightening in the chest. Our body changes when it senses danger and can cause an unconscious tightening and loosening of muscles in the chest, rib cage and throat areas.
- When the tissue covering the lungs are inflamed, a condition known as pleurisy, you will feel a sharp chest pain when you breathe, cough or sneeze. It’s caused by an infection that can be either bacterial or viral.
- Autoimmune issues can cause chest pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the spine or rib joints. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that can bring musculoskeletal pain. Skeletal issues regarding ribs or the chest bone and the muscles associated with it have been proven to cause chest pain.
At GI Diagnostic Center, we specialize in personalized gastrointestinal care. If you have questions, we have answers! Call us today at 281-357-1977, to see what we can do for you.