What to do if it feels like something is in your chest?

Over 6.5 million adults visit the emergency room for chest pain each year, with many cases having non-cardiac causes. This guide provides essential information on what to do if it feels like something is in your chest, outlining potential causes and crucial next steps to take.

Quick Summary

Assess your symptoms immediately. If severe pain, shortness of breath, or radiating discomfort occurs, seek emergency medical help by calling 911. If mild, consider non-cardiac causes like indigestion or anxiety, but consult a doctor to be safe.

Key Points

• Emergency Action: Call 911 immediately for severe, sudden, or radiating chest pain, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or cold sweats.

• Cardiac vs. Non-Cardiac: Distinguish symptoms. Heart-related pain is often a squeezing pressure, while non-cardiac pain can be sharp, localized, or positional.

• Common Causes: Understand potential non-urgent culprits, including musculoskeletal strain, acid reflux (GERD), and anxiety or panic attacks.

• Self-Care for Minor Symptoms: For non-emergencies, manage discomfort with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed by a healthcare professional or product label), antacids (as directed), or stress-reduction techniques.

• Consult a Doctor: Always follow up with a healthcare provider for any unexplained or persistent chest discomfort to get a proper diagnosis and rule out serious conditions.

Immediate Steps: When to Seek Emergency Care

When you feel a strange sensation in your chest, your first priority is to determine if it's a medical emergency. While many causes are benign, a significant number of chest pain cases are serious. It's better to be overly cautious than to ignore a life-threatening condition.

Call 911 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Severe, sudden chest pressure, fullness, or a squeezing sensation that lasts for more than a few minutes.
• Pain that radiates from your chest to your jaw, neck, back, or arms (especially the left arm).
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing.
• Nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat.
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat coupled with chest discomfort.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness.

What to do while waiting for help:

1. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. A medical professional should transport you.
2. Rest and remain calm. Stop all activity and sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
3. Aspirin may be recommended by a healthcare provider in certain situations to help reduce blood clotting during a potential heart attack. Always follow a healthcare professional's advice regarding aspirin use.

Understanding the Causes of Chest Discomfort

If you have ruled out a medical emergency with the help of a professional, it's important to understand the wide range of potential causes for the feeling that something is in your chest. The sensations can stem from various systems within the body.

Musculoskeletal Issues

• Costochondritis: An inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone. Pain is often localized and may worsen with deep breaths or movement. You may be able to reproduce the pain by gently pressing on the area.
• Muscle Strain: Vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or a persistent cough can strain the muscles in your chest wall, leading to a persistent, dull ache.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation known as heartburn that can be mistaken for a heart issue. The discomfort often worsens after eating, particularly large meals or fatty, spicy, and acidic foods.
• Esophageal Spasms: Abnormal contractions of the muscles in the esophagus can cause sharp, intense pain in the chest.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

High emotional stress, anxiety, or a panic attack can cause physical symptoms that mimic a heart attack. These can include a pounding or racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom.

Comparison: Heart-Related vs. Non-Heart-Related Discomfort

Symptom	Heart-Related Discomfort	Non-Heart-Related Discomfort
Sensation	Squeezing, pressure, or a tight band around the chest. Can be a crushing sensation.	Sharp, localized, or burning pain. Can be positional (worsens with movement).
Location	Often center or left side, radiating to arms, jaw, neck, back.	Variable location. Can be anywhere in the chest wall. Reflux often centered behind the breastbone.
Duration	Can last for minutes, often comes and goes, but can escalate.	Often brief (seconds) for musculoskeletal issues. Lingers for GERD or anxiety.
Triggers	Often brought on by physical exertion or emotional stress.	Triggered by specific movements, certain foods, or heightened anxiety.
Associated Symptoms	Nausea, cold sweats, lightheadedness, shortness of breath.	Typically fewer severe associated symptoms. May have anxiety symptoms like hyperventilation.

Self-Care and Management for Minor Symptoms

If you have confirmed with a healthcare provider that your symptoms are not a medical emergency, you can explore some home remedies and lifestyle adjustments.

For Musculoskeletal Pain

• Apply heat or cold: A warm compress can relax strained muscles, while a cold pack can help with inflammation.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities that exacerbate the pain.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation when used as directed by a healthcare professional.

For Gastrointestinal Discomfort

• Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can provide immediate relief for heartburn when used according to product instructions.
• Dietary changes: Avoid foods known to trigger your symptoms, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy, or fatty meals.
• Lifestyle modifications: Do not lie down immediately after eating. Elevate your head slightly when you sleep.

For Anxiety-Related Sensations

• Deep breathing exercises: Focus on slow, deliberate breaths to calm your nervous system.
• Stress reduction techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, or light exercise can help manage stress levels.
• Seek therapy: A mental health professional can provide strategies for managing anxiety and panic attacks.

When to Consult a Doctor for Non-Urgent Chest Discomfort

Even if your symptoms aren't an emergency, it is crucial to follow up with a primary care provider to determine the underlying cause and ensure there are no serious issues. A doctor can perform a full evaluation, which might include an EKG or blood tests, to provide a definitive diagnosis. They can also recommend specialist referrals if needed.

Consider scheduling an appointment if:

• Your chest discomfort occurs frequently or becomes more intense over time.
• You suspect your discomfort is linked to specific activities or foods.
• Your symptoms are not improving with self-care or lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Feeling like something is in your chest is a symptom that should always be taken seriously. While not every instance points to a heart attack, the potential for a serious medical event means that immediate and cautious assessment is required. By understanding the signs of a cardiac emergency and seeking prompt medical attention when needed, you can protect your health. For non-urgent cases, a careful evaluation with a healthcare provider and targeted self-care can provide relief. Remember to trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it's always best to get it checked out by a professional.

For more information on chest pain and heart health, you can visit the American Heart Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I go to the emergency room for chest discomfort?

Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience severe chest pressure, radiating pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a cold sweat. These could be signs of a heart attack.

Can anxiety cause a sensation of something being in my chest?

Yes, anxiety and panic attacks can cause physical symptoms like chest tightness, a racing heart, and shortness of breath, which can feel like a sensation in your chest.

How can I tell if my chest discomfort is caused by GERD?

Chest discomfort from GERD (acid reflux) often feels like a burning sensation or heartburn and may worsen after eating, especially large or acidic meals. It can be relieved by antacids.

What is costochondritis and can it feel like something is in my chest?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs and breastbone. It can cause localized, sharp pain that feels like a sensation in your chest and may be reproduced by pressing on the affected area.

Should I drive myself to the hospital if I suspect a heart attack?

No, you should call 911 and wait for an ambulance. Do not drive yourself. Medical professionals can provide care on the way to the hospital.

What should I do if my chest discomfort goes away on its own?

Even if the discomfort resolves, it's wise to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Persistent or recurring unexplained chest sensations should always be evaluated to determine the underlying cause.

Are there any specific lifestyle changes that can help with non-emergency chest discomfort?

Yes, for reflux, avoid trigger foods and don't lie down after eating. For anxiety, practice stress-reduction techniques. For musculoskeletal issues, rest the area and apply heat or cold.