What health conditions can cause chest pain?

September 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, chest pain is a major reason for emergency department visits, but is not always a sign of a heart attack. A wide variety of medical issues, from cardiovascular to musculoskeletal, can be responsible. Understanding what health conditions can cause chest pain is crucial for knowing when to seek emergency help and when to explore less critical causes.

Quick Summary

Beyond heart attacks, chest pain can be a symptom of numerous conditions affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, or musculoskeletal systems, as well as psychological factors. Proper diagnosis involves considering the location, duration, and accompanying symptoms to determine the underlying cause and necessary treatment.

Key Points

Cardiac vs. Non-Cardiac: Chest pain isn't always a heart attack; it can come from the lungs, digestive tract, muscles, and even psychological stress.
Red Flags: Seek emergency help for chest pain with radiating pain (arm/jaw), sweating, shortness of breath, or a crushing sensation, as these are heart attack symptoms.
Common Culprits: Frequent non-cardiac causes include acid reflux (GERD), musculoskeletal inflammation (costochondritis), and panic attacks.
Diagnostic Process: A healthcare provider will use a variety of tests, a physical exam, and your medical history to pinpoint the source of the pain.
Self-Diagnosis is Risky: Because different conditions can present with similar chest pain symptoms, it is unsafe and unwise to self-diagnose.
Relief Depends on Cause: The most effective treatment for chest pain depends entirely on its underlying cause, whether it's antacids for GERD or professional medical intervention for a cardiac event.

Understanding the Complex Nature of Chest Pain

Chest pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and can originate from many different parts of the body. While the immediate concern is often a heart attack, it's important to be aware of the vast spectrum of other potential causes. The chest cavity contains several vital organs and tissues, all of which can be sources of discomfort. Conditions can range from life-threatening emergencies to manageable ailments.

Cardiovascular Conditions: When the Heart is the Cause

When blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, it causes chest pain that can be life-threatening. These conditions require immediate medical attention.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

This occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart muscle, causing muscle tissue to die. The pain is often described as a crushing pressure or squeezing sensation in the center or left side of the chest.

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It feels like a squeezing or pressure in the chest and is often triggered by physical exertion or stress. Unlike a heart attack, it typically resolves with rest.

Aortic Dissection

A life-threatening emergency where the inner layer of the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart, tears. The pain is sudden, severe, and can feel like a tearing or ripping sensation radiating to the back.

Pericarditis

This is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. It can cause sharp, steady chest pain that may worsen when lying down and improve when sitting up.

Respiratory Conditions: Lungs and Airways

Many issues involving the lungs and airways can cause chest pain, often triggered by breathing, coughing, or sneezing.

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot that has traveled to the lungs can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with inhalation. It is a medical emergency and often accompanied by shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is the inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It causes a sharp, localized pain that intensifies with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing.

Pneumonia

This lung infection can cause sharp or stabbing chest pain, along with fever, chills, and a productive cough. The pain is often worse with deep breathing.

Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)

Occurs when air collects between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. It leads to sudden, sharp chest pain and shortness of breath.

Asthma

An inflammatory disorder of the airways, asthma can cause chest tightness and pain, along with wheezing and shortness of breath, especially during an attack.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Digestive System Discomfort

The esophagus is located near the heart and can mimic cardiac pain. Digestive problems are a very common source of non-cardiac chest pain.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Also known as acid reflux, GERD happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn, which can be mistaken for heart pain.

Esophageal Spasms

These are abnormal contractions of the muscles in the esophagus. The chest pain they cause can be sudden and severe, feeling similar to a heart attack.

Peptic Ulcers

Sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine can cause a dull, gnawing, or burning chest pain that may improve with eating or antacids.

Gallbladder or Pancreas Problems

Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the chest.

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Causes

Pain from the muscles, bones, and nerves in the chest wall can be a source of significant discomfort.

Costochondritis

This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. It causes sharp, localized pain that can be reproduced by pressing on the affected area.

Muscle Strain

Overexertion or injury to the chest wall muscles can cause a persistent ache that worsens with activity or movement.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Caused by the same virus as chickenpox, shingles can produce a painful, band-like burning sensation on one side of the chest before the characteristic rash appears.

Injured Ribs

A fractured or bruised rib can cause chest pain that is aggravated by deep breathing, coughing, or specific movements.

Psychological Factors: Mind and Body

High stress and anxiety can have a significant physical impact, including chest pain.

Panic Attack

Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest pain that can be very frightening and feel like a heart attack.

Comparing Cardiac vs. Non-Cardiac Chest Pain


Feature	Cardiac Chest Pain	Non-Cardiac Chest Pain
Sensation	Crushing, squeezing, pressure	Sharp, stabbing, burning, localized
Triggers	Exertion, emotional stress	Digestion, deep breathing, movement, panic
Radiation	Can spread to arms, neck, back, jaw	Typically localized, sometimes radiates to upper abdomen
Duration	Can last several minutes or more	Often fleeting, or can be a persistent ache
Relieved By	Rest, nitroglycerin (if prescribed)	Antacids, movement, stretching, rest

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many causes of chest pain are not life-threatening, it's critical to treat any unexplained chest pain seriously. Always seek immediate emergency medical care if your chest pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by symptoms like:

Pain radiating to your arm, neck, or jaw
Nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Pressure or tightness in the chest

Conclusion

Chest pain is a complex symptom with a wide array of potential causes, from cardiac and respiratory issues to digestive and musculoskeletal problems. Although a heart attack is the most serious concern, it is not the only one. Consulting a healthcare professional is the only way to accurately determine the source of the pain and receive appropriate treatment. Being aware of the different types of conditions and their specific symptoms empowers you to seek help promptly and effectively.

For more information on heart health, consider consulting resources like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, panic attacks and high stress can cause chest pain that often feels sharp or tight. The symptoms can mimic a heart attack, but are typically accompanied by a rapid heart rate, sweating, and fear.

Chest pain from acid reflux (GERD) is often a burning sensation, or 'heartburn,' that can worsen after eating or lying down. It may be accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth and can be relieved by antacids.

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone. It can cause sharp, localized chest pain and tenderness that worsens with movement or pressure.

Yes, a normal EKG does not rule out all causes of chest pain. Many non-cardiovascular issues, such as anxiety, injured ribs, or pancreatitis, can cause chest pain.

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often triggered by exertion and relieved by rest. A heart attack is a more severe event involving a complete blockage and can cause irreversible heart damage.

You should seek immediate emergency medical care for sudden, severe chest pain, or pain that is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to your arm, neck, or jaw.

Yes, conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, or a pulmonary embolism can all cause chest pain. Lung-related pain often worsens with deep breathing or coughing.