What is that chest pain?

There it is again — that heavy pressure, fleeting jolt or other mysterious pain in the chest. Should you be concerned? Should you go to the doctor or ignore it?

Most of us may have experienced chest pain at some point in our lives. The uncertainty of what could be causing the pain can be scary. We may quickly assume that something is wrong with our heart. However, not all chest pain is created equal, nor is it all caused by heart problems.

"The chest contains other organs and structures aside from the heart, all of which have the potential to cause chest pain," says Dr. Bryant Nguyen, a cardiologist associated with Sharp Grossmont Hospital. "Pain could be due to a variety of issues, including acid reflux, breathing or lung problems, or muscle or tendon strain, among other things."

According to Dr. Nguyen, some pain requires a doctor's immediate attention, while other may not be as significant. "Regardless, if you are experiencing any sort of chest pain, tell your doctor so that it can be properly assessed," he advises.

Ask yourself the following questions to help you better decode your chest pain:

How does the pain feel?
Nonheart-related chest pain is mostly sharp and easier to pinpoint, while heart-related chest pain is typically a heavy pressure, tightness, burning or squeezing.

Heart-related pain may be felt deep in the chest rather than on the surface. It may also be difficult to pinpoint the exact location of heart-related pain. Often, the pain may radiate to the back, arms, throat or jaw.

When does it occur? How long does it last?
Chest pain that occurs during exercise, walking upstairs, or other activities where you are exerting yourself is a flag that may indicate a heart problem. Heart-related pain usually continues for several minutes or until the activity is stopped.

On the other hand, nonheart-related chest pain or discomfort is more likely to occur spontaneously and may last for only a few seconds. This type of pain may be due to a muscle or bone injury, nerve pain or inflammation.

What makes the pain go away or worsen?
Heart-related chest pain occurs with exertion and stops with rest. A type of heart pain called angina occurs when your heart muscle needs more oxygen than can be supplied. Lying down, sudden cold temperature and emotional stress may worsen angina.

Chest pain symptoms that get better with exertion or activity might be less related to a heart condition, while heart–related chest pain gets worse with exertion or activity.

Other things that may bring relief for nonheart-related chest pain include deep breathing; pain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen; a heating pad; or antacids, which can relieve muscle, joint and gastrointestinal pain.

When should I get help?
Call 911 or get help right away if you experience pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest that:

• Radiates to the arms, jaw, neck, back or stomach

• Is accompanied by lightheadedness, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, fatigue or nausea

• Lasts for five minutes or longer, as these symptoms may be a sign of a heart attack

"While there are many noncardiac reasons for chest pain, it is best not to ignore them," says Dr. Nguyen. "Keep a daily log or journal of symptoms rather than keeping track by memory. If you have previous heart disease or are an older adult experiencing chest pain, it is especially important to report these symptoms to your doctor."

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