Chest Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: Causes and Concerns

Q: Chest Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: Causes and Concerns

Hello： Please visit the hospital for evaluation and diagnosis by a physician.

Chest pain upon palpation after vaccination?

I apologize for the lengthy message.
I have received my second dose of the Biotech vaccine, and shortly after, I experienced mild stabbing pain in my left chest that lasted for about a minute.
Throughout the day, I noticed similar brief episodes of pain in both sides of my chest, which decreased in frequency over time.
Instead, I began to feel tenderness in the lower edges of both sides of my chest, under my armpits, below my collarbone, and in the upper inner part of my chest.
Pressing on these areas causes mild pain, with some discomfort lasting a few seconds.
Occasionally, I feel pain in both upper arms, but there is no tenderness when pressed.
I experience pain in the center of my chest when sneezing, but not during deep breathing.
The symptoms are more pronounced at night than in the morning; sometimes in the morning, I don't feel much at all, only tenderness when pressed.
It has been 48 hours since the vaccination, and I still have slight nausea (feeling like vomit is stuck in my throat and chest), sweating, and cold feet (even with air conditioning), but other side effects (e.g., injection site pain, fever, headache) have subsided.
I do not feel a heavy pressure on my chest, my breathing is normal and smooth, my appetite is fine, and I no longer have a fever.
I feel fatigued in bed but worry about having a serious illness, which makes it hard to sleep due to sweating.
I want to live a long life! I do not have an exercise habit and get out of breath after climbing a few flights of stairs.
I have already gone through puberty.
I would like to know if this is simply a symptom of stress, or if it could be related to heart disease, or even connected to the vaccine.
Thank you, doctor, for your response!

Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/21

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology

Hello: Please visit the hospital for evaluation and diagnosis by a physician.

Reply Date: 2021/09/21

More Info

Understanding chest pain after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can be a source of concern for many individuals. Your symptoms, which include intermittent sharp pain in the left chest, tenderness in various areas around the chest, and occasional discomfort in the arms, can be distressing. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

1. Chest Pain After Vaccination: Is It Normal?
It is not uncommon for individuals to experience chest pain or discomfort after receiving a vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccines. This can be attributed to several factors:
- Inflammatory Response: Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off pathogens. This immune response can sometimes lead to localized inflammation, which may manifest as pain or discomfort in the chest area.

- Musculoskeletal Pain: The injection itself can cause soreness in the arm and surrounding areas, which may radiate to the chest. Additionally, anxiety or stress related to vaccination can lead to muscle tension, contributing to discomfort.

- Vasovagal Response: Some individuals may experience a vasovagal response, which can lead to transient chest pain or discomfort, often accompanied by feelings of nausea or lightheadedness.

2. When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild and transient chest pain can be a normal reaction to vaccination, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:
- Severe or Persistent Pain: If the chest pain becomes severe, lasts longer than a few minutes, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, it is crucial to seek medical help.

- Signs of Allergic Reaction: If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rapid heartbeat, these could be signs of an allergic reaction, and you should seek emergency care.

3. Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
Given your description of symptoms, several potential causes could be considered:
- Muscle Strain: If you have been tense or anxious, this could lead to muscle strain in the chest area, causing pain when pressing or moving.

- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The sensation of nausea and the feeling of something stuck in your throat could suggest acid reflux, which can also cause chest discomfort.

- Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, especially if you are feeling anxious about your health.

4. Next Steps
- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If they persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

- Consulting a Doctor: If you are concerned about your symptoms, especially given the history of chest pain, it is advisable to visit a healthcare provider. They may perform a physical examination and, if necessary, order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or chest X-ray to rule out any serious conditions.

- Lifestyle Considerations: Since you mentioned a lack of exercise, consider incorporating light physical activity into your routine, as this can help improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce anxiety.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may be related to the vaccination or other benign causes, it is essential to remain vigilant. If you experience any alarming symptoms or if your discomfort persists, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and healthcare professionals are there to help you navigate these concerns.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Cardiovascular Side Effects After COVID-19 Vaccination

Hello Dr. Wu: I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine before the Lunar New Year and have experienced dizziness twice since then. Additionally, I have been feeling discomfort under my clavicle, primarily a sensation of pressure and pain, with occasional sharp pain. I'm c...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Based on your description, your symptoms should not be related to the vaccine. However, if you are still feeling unwell, it is recommended to visit a hospital and consult a cardiologist for further evaluation.

Understanding Heart Pain: Concerns After COVID Vaccine

Hello, doctor: I would like to inquire about a heart-related issue. This morning when I woke up, I felt pain in the lower left side of my heart. It hurts when I touch it, and there is some discomfort in the area of my breast. I feel it more when I raise my arm to touch it. I rece...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Based on your description, it does not seem to be symptoms of myocarditis. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to go to the hospital for further evaluation.

Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort After COVID Vaccination

Hello Doctor, about a month ago I received the BNT vaccine. A week later, I started experiencing chest tightness and occasional sharp pain near the xiphoid process. I visited two hospitals where I underwent an electrocardiogram, X-ray, pulmonary function tests, and blood tests, a...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: If myocarditis is ruled out during the cardiology examination, there is no need to worry about vaccine side effects. Mitral valve prolapse is more likely to cause symptoms such as chest tightness and chest pain. Additionally, anxiety about vaccine side effects can exacerba...

Understanding Chest Pain and Low Blood Oxygen After COVID-19 Vaccination

Hello, doctor! I was diagnosed with Covid-19 around June last year, but I did not have any significant chest pain symptoms at that time. However, after receiving the BNT vaccine in November, I began to experience occasional chest pain. After getting the second dose this year, the...

Dr. Wang Lanfeng reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms may be related to heart or lung issues. As for whether there is a connection to the vaccine, it would require further evaluation of relevant medical reports. I recommend that you first visit a cardiology or pulmonology clinic for as...