"A painfully shrinking chest, always a heart problem?"... 5 unexpected causes

Do you experience chest pain?

I'm worried that I might be having a heart attack.

It seems that another disease could be the cause~

Causes of chest pain that can be mistaken for a heart attack

Please understand~

If you experience chest pain when pressing on your chest, it is more likely to be an injury rather than a heart problem.

When the chest muscles are pulled, it can be mistaken for a heart attack. Dr. Christine Jellis, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains that most patients complaining of chest pain are worried about a heart attack. However, upon examination, many cases are due to lifting heavy furniture after a long time or other reasons. Dr. Jellis added that healthcare providers may find it difficult for the general public to distinguish between a heart attack and chest muscle pain. She introduced one way to differentiate between a heart attack and chest muscle pain: first, press on the chest. If pain is felt when pressing, it is more likely to be an injury rather than a heart problem.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease causing burning pain behind the sternum

Occasional heartburn is relatively common and does not require concern. However, if heartburn occurs more than once a week, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Stomach acid is highly acidic, positioned between battery acid and vinegar on the pH scale. For this reason, GERD can cause a burning sensation behind the sternum. Symptoms include chest pain, chronic cough, hoarseness, nausea, pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and conditions similar to heartburn. GERD occurs when food refluxes into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat and stomach. Risk factors include certain medications (such as antidepressants, asthma medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), being overweight or obese, smoking or passive smoking.