3 Chest Pain Myths Busted

Few things provoke immediate fear more than a bout of chest pain. After all, most people associate chest pain with a heart attack, and no one wants to experience that particular heart health problem.

In reality, chest pain is a complex matter that many people don’t fully understand. Shahnaz Begum, MD, FACC, and our team at Heart Care in Frisco, Texas, want to share some information about chest pain and how you should respond if you experience this specific type of discomfort.

Myth #1: Chest pain is always a sign of a heart attack

Chest pain can indeed be a symptom of a heart attack. But that doesn’t mean every sensation of discomfort in your chest indicates an urgent heart health problem.

Let’s begin by taking a look at the symptoms of a heart attack. Knowing what to look for can help you know when to seek immediate medical attention, which can save your life in the event of a heart attack.

Chest pain that feels like squeezing, pressure, tightness, or aching
Pain that spreads to your upper belly, back, neck, jaw, or arm
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Shortness of breath
Cold sweat
Nausea

When these other symptoms accompany chest pain, seek immediate medical attention. If you’re having a heart attack, quick intervention can make a world of difference in the outcome.

Now, let’s also acknowledge that chest pain might be a sign of another heart health issue or could even be connected to a condition that has nothing to do with your heart. Gastrointestinal diseases like acid reflux, indigestion, and stomach ulcers are often to blame. Even asthma and shingles can cause chest pain.

Myth #2: Chest pain is nothing to worry about

On the flip side, there are plenty of people who refuse to acknowledge that chest pain might be a sign of a serious heart health condition. While there’s no need to go into a panic every time you feel discomfort in your chest, you should pay close attention to the messages your body sends.

Occasional chest pain may be nothing to worry about. For example, if you have muscle aches for a few days after helping a friend move, it probably isn’t a sign of a heart problem. Burning sensations in your chest after a big meal could simply be heartburn.

However, never ignore severe chest pain or discomfort that recurs or persists over time. Even if it isn’t directly linked to a heart condition, chest pain occurs for a reason, and understanding that reason is important for overall health.

Myth #3: Chest pain begins and ends in your chest

You may be surprised to learn that the pain in your chest may have originated elsewhere in your body. The human body is an incredibly complex system with an astounding number of organs, blood vessels, bones, connective tissues, and muscles that are interconnected in many ways.

That’s why pain in your chest may be coming from another part of your body. Stomach disorders can create discomfort in your chest. Back pain can also trigger chest pain as your musculoskeletal system redistributes strain to nearby muscles and structures. Even mental health issues like anxiety can create sensations of pain in your chest.

3 Chest Pain Myths Busted