CHEST PAIN – WHEN TO WORRY & WHEN IT’S NOT THE HEART
A simple guide to understanding chest pain, causes, warning signs & when to seek urgent help
Chest pain is one of the most frightening symptoms anyone can experience.
The first thought is usually — “Is it a heart attack?”
But here’s the truth:
👉 Not all chest pain is due to the heart.
👉 Many are due to acidity, muscle strain, gas, stress, or nerve pain — completely treatable.
👉 But some types DO need urgent medical attention.
This blog explains it in a clear, calm, and easy-to-understand way.
❤️ Why Chest Pain Happens
Chest pain can come from multiple areas:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Food pipe (esophagus)
- Stomach
- Rib muscles
- Nerves
- Anxiety
Understanding the type of pain helps diagnose the cause.
🔥 Common Non-Heart Causes of Chest Pain (Very Common)
1️⃣ Acidity & Gas (Most common cause)
– Burning sensation
– Pain after eating
– Bloating
– Pain relieved after burping or antacid
2️⃣ Muscle Strain
Due to gym, heavy lifting, poor posture, long driving.
Pain increases with movement or pressing the chest.
3️⃣ Anxiety or Panic Attack
Feels like tightness, fast heartbeat, trembling, breathlessness.
4️⃣ Nerve Pain (Costochondritis)
Sharp pain in one area, worse with deep breathing.
5️⃣ Lung issues
Infections or inflammation can also cause chest pain.
These are all treatable — but must be evaluated wisely.
⚠️ When Chest Pain Is a Medical Emergency
Seek urgent help if chest pain is:
- Heavy, tight, squeezing
- Radiating to left arm, jaw, back
- Associated with sweating
- Associated with shortness of breath
- Caused during walking or exertion
- Associated with nausea or vomiting
- Not improving for more than 15–20 minutes
- Happening in a diabetic patient
- Happening in someone above age 40 with risk factors
These may indicate a heart attack or cardiac angina.
🧪 Tests Your Doctor May Advise
Depending on symptoms:
- ECG
- 2D Echo
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests (Trop-T, CBC)
- Lipid profile
- Vitamin tests
- Ultrasound (if gas/acidity suspected)
Early diagnosis saves lives.
🩺 How We Approach Chest Pain at Our Clinic
At Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic, our approach is:
1️⃣ Rule out heart-related causes first
2️⃣ Check for acidity, muscle strain, or lung issues
3️⃣ Identify lifestyle triggers
4️⃣ Provide rapid relief treatment
5️⃣ Create long-term prevention plan
Our focus: Safety first, clarity always.
🧩 Lifestyle Factors That Commonly Cause Chest Discomfort
✔ Skipping meals
✔ Eating late at night
✔ Heavy or oily food
✔ Stress, anxiety
✔ Poor posture
✔ Lack of sleep
✔ Smoking
✔ Excess tea/coffee
✔ Alcohol
✔ Vitamin deficiencies
Correcting these reduces chest pain significantly.
🏡 Home Care for Mild Chest Pain (Non-Heart Causes)
- Take an antacid if acidity-related
- Sip warm water
- Apply warm compress for muscle strain
- Gentle stretching
- Slow deep breathing
- Avoid tea/coffee temporarily
- Avoid heavy meals for the day
If pain keeps repeating — get it checked.
📝 Key Takeaway
Not all chest pain means heart attack.
But you should never ignore persistent or worsening pain.
📍 Contact for Appointment
Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Thane
📞 086910 33033
🌐 bestsurgeoninthane.com
