Experiencing sharp chest pain can be very scary, but that doesn’t mean the underlying cause is. Chest pain is commonly linked to heart attacks, but the truth is that many different medical conditions can cause pain in your chest. “Angina” is the medical term for chest pain, pressure, or tightness in your chest. You’ll need to determine what type of pain you have and how much at risk you are for health conditions where chest pain is a common symptom. Potential conditions range in level of severity, from minor to potentially life threatening.
Depending on the cause, your pain may be:
- Sharp
- Burning
- Aching
- Stabbing
- Dull
- A squeezing or crushing sensation
Common Causes of Chest Pain
Some common causes of chest pain include:
- Heart disease such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Myocarditis, Pericarditis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Lung problems like pleuritis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, or asthma.
- Gastrointestinal problems such as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia, or gallbladder disease.
- Bone muscle or nerve problems like rib problems, muscle strain, or shingles.
- Other causes such as anxiety and panic attacks.
When to Seek Emergency Treatment
If you are experiencing chest pain along with any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately:
- Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
- A sudden feeling of pressure or tightness under your breastbone
- Sudden sharp chest pain with a shortness of breath
- Nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate or breathing, or confusion
- Very low blood pressure or heart rate
Chest pains can signify serious medical issues, so talking to a medical professional at the onset of your chest pain is imperative. And because sharp chest pain doesn’t always happen on a 9 to 5 schedule, FastMed is open 365 days a year to provide you with prompt medical treatment. Speaking with one of our experienced medical professionals will allow for proper diagnosis and management of the condition causing your symptoms.
About FastMed
FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.