Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

Chest pain?

Hello Doctor: I have chest pain that lasts about 1 to 3 seconds.
It's not very intense and occurs more frequently in the left side of my chest near the center, although sometimes I also experience pain on the right side.
Recently, I've noticed that the area around my armpit and chest has also been painful, and occasionally, I feel pain when I breathe for about a second, when I talk, and during physical activity.
Even when sitting still in a chair, I can experience pain.
Pressing on the area sometimes causes pain and sometimes does not, and I can clearly point out the exact location of the pain.
Over the past four months, I have undergone five electrocardiograms and one echocardiogram, all of which were normal, although my heart rate was slightly elevated.
In the past six months, I have had two chest X-rays; one was during a routine check-up (which showed no abnormalities), and the other was when I visited a pulmonologist, who stated that my chest was completely fine and did not prescribe any medication.
I would like to ask the doctor why I am experiencing this chest pain.
It generally occurs about once every one to two hours.
Should I seek further medical attention?

Jian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/26

Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology

Please consult a pain management specialist or an allergy and immunology specialist, as it may be pain due to fascial inflammation.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2016/03/26

More Info

Chest pain can be a concerning symptom, and understanding its potential causes is crucial for determining when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing intermittent chest pain that lasts for a few seconds and is localized primarily in the left chest area, with occasional pain on the right side and in the axillary region. You also mentioned that this pain can occur during various activities, including talking and moving, and that it can sometimes be elicited by pressing on the area.

Given that you have undergone multiple tests, including five electrocardiograms (ECGs), one echocardiogram, and two chest X-rays, all of which returned normal results, it is reassuring that there are no immediate signs of significant cardiac issues. However, it is essential to consider other potential causes of chest pain, which can range from musculoskeletal issues to gastrointestinal problems or even anxiety-related symptoms.

1. Musculoskeletal Causes: One common cause of chest pain is musculoskeletal strain, which can occur from activities that involve repetitive motion or poor posture, especially if you spend long hours sitting or working at a desk. Conditions such as costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum) can also lead to localized pain that may worsen with movement or palpation.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophageal spasms can cause chest pain that mimics cardiac pain. This type of pain is often associated with eating, lying down, or certain positions and may be accompanied by symptoms like heartburn or regurgitation.

3. Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety can manifest physically in many ways, including chest pain. Panic attacks, in particular, can cause sharp, fleeting chest pain along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, and a feeling of impending doom.

4. Cardiac Considerations: While your tests have ruled out significant heart disease, it is important to remain vigilant. Conditions like angina can present with transient chest pain, especially during physical exertion or stress, and may not always show up on initial tests. If you experience any new symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or radiating pain to the arm or jaw, you should seek immediate medical attention.

5. When to Seek Medical Attention: Given that your symptoms are recurrent and have persisted over several months, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider, preferably a cardiologist or a primary care physician, to discuss your symptoms in detail. They may recommend further evaluation, such as a stress test or additional imaging, to rule out any underlying issues that may not have been detected in previous assessments.

In summary, while your normal test results are reassuring, the recurrent nature of your chest pain warrants further investigation. It is essential to keep track of any additional symptoms and their triggers, as this information can help your healthcare provider determine the most appropriate course of action. If the pain worsens, becomes more frequent, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Recently, I have experienced occasional chest pain, a condition that hasn't occurred for a long time. The most severe episode happened during my middle school years when I suddenly felt chest pain and difficulty breathing while asleep. I quickly drank some water, which allev...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. There are many causes of chest pain, which can originate from superficial chest wall issues (such as shingles, costochondritis, shoulder arthritis, spinal nerve compression, breast lesions, etc.) or from deeper organ-related pain (such as angina, myocard...

Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Cardiac Care

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing chest pain in the area of my heart for the past six months. The pain is often dull and uncomfortable, and I find that applying slight pressure with my hand alleviates the discomfort. I am unsure of the cause and whether I need to seek medica...

Dr. Zhong Yuxun reply Cardiology
Hello Pomelo user, There are many causes of chest pain, including myocardial ischemia, muscle pain, intercostal neuralgia, esophagitis, gastric pain, and autonomic nervous system disorders. Please consult an internist or cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment. Sincerely, Dr...

Chest Pain and Irregular Heartbeat: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Since last year, I initially experienced some arrhythmia, where my heart would suddenly race when I stood up or got out of bed, but it would return to normal after about 10 seconds. Later, I had a few episodes of sudden severe chest pain, which then resolved. Now, I have intermit...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Due to your young age and the absence of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low. Many factors in life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adj...

Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

I currently do not have any chronic diseases, but in the past month, I have experienced sharp pains lasting about 1-2 seconds in the left chest area, particularly over the heart, whenever I perform movements that involve changes in position, such as lying down, getting up, or exe...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, issues related to specific movements are mostly associated with neuromuscular problems and are less related to the internal organs. It is advisable to observe the situation first. Changhua Hospital cares about you.