Chest pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. Common causes include:
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It’s often a symptom of coronary artery disease.
- Heart Attack: A sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart, leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can cause a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn.
- Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury to the chest muscles or rib cage can cause pain or discomfort.
- Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs can lead to chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing.
- Panic Attack: Intense anxiety or stress can cause chest pain, along with symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and sweating.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone can cause sharp chest pain, particularly with movement or deep breathing.