Research has shown that chest pain is not always just a symptom of a heart attack, but it can still be alarming when it suddenly occurs. While chest pain is often connected to cardiac issues such as heart attacks or coronary artery disease, other non-cardiac causes at play can cause chest pains.
In this post, we will explore these various causes in more detail to help you better understand your situation should you experience chest pains unexpectedly. Don’t let fear and anxiety drive your decision-making; read further for facts about the possible non-cardiac sources of chest pain so you can talk through your concerns with your doctor during an appointment.
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Chest pain and the possibility of a heart problem are not to be taken lightly, but there can be many other reasons for pain other than a heart attack. Overall, the likelihood of a cardiac issue hinges more on a patient’s risk profile.
Three Main Causes
There are regularly three main causes of non-cardiac chest pain or discomfort. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD, is one of the most common reasons for chest pain. This acid reflux causes heartburn, expressing pain in the center of the chest.
Certain foods, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, can cause GERD. Additionally, GERD-triggering heartburn pain is often worsened after consuming large meals, alcohol, or a lot of caffeine. And if you have GERD, you may find that lying down leads to worse chest pain, an uncomfortable symptom of GERD that can mimic the more serious condition of chest pain related to heart issues. It is best to be aware of your diet and lifestyle habits if you are prone to GERD attacks and take steps to minimize your GERD symptoms.
Chest pain can also commonly originate from the muscles and joints in the wall of the chest. Heavy lifting or a strenuous workout can strain these muscles, causing pain and discomfort. Coughing due to a respiratory illness can also cause strain on these muscles and cause chest discomfort as well.
If chest pain is consistent with strenuous physical activity, take time between workout sessions to allow the muscles to repair and grow.
The third thing that can commonly cause chest pain is emotional stress and anxiety. Having a panic attack can cause chest tightness or pressure and difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression, there are lifestyle changes that can help relieve symptoms. Try following a meditation routine or enroll in a yoga class.
So, how can you tell if your chest pain is a serious cardiac issue or not? It can be difficult to distinguish between causes, so evaluations such as electrocardiograms and blood tests may be necessary.
Physicians are more concerned about chest pain in patients with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes, and those over the age of 60. All of these conditions also increase the risk of coronary artery disease or blockages in the heart arteries.
If you are experiencing chest pain that is very brief, lasting only seconds or minutes, and it goes away without any other associated symptoms like nausea or shortness of breath, it may not be heart-related.
On the other hand, if your chest pain is new and severe or accompanied by other symptoms, you should go to the emergency department. Not every patient will experience the same symptoms during a cardiac event, but some may include nausea, pain on the left side of the chest, jaw, or down the arm, shortness of breath, and feelings of indigestion. Sometimes people with a heart attack may also feel “unwell” and be cold and clammy.
If you are experiencing chest pain, it is always advised to get checked by your doctor.
Maintaining Heart Health
Keeping the heart healthy throughout life is vital, so Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10. The omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in cardiovascular function, while CoQ10 is involved in energy production at the cellular level.
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These two heart superstars are supported by 5 other ingredients that can help to promote and support cardiovascular function as you age. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
CoQ10 is a vital nutrient needed to promote healthy cardiovascular function. However, research has shown that CoQ10 levels can decline with stress, age, and cholesterol-lowering statin use. Due to this decline, it is essential to help support and maintain CoQ10 levels.
The major issue with standard CoQ10 supplementation is that it is a large, fat-soluble molecule that is poorly absorbed in the body. However, CoQ10 Premium Gold gets around this issue by supplying a water-soluble form of CoQ10 for superior absorption by the body. This gives the body the CoQ10 it needs to support energy production and help maintain cardiovascular health.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
