Q: Can you explain different types of chest pains? How do I know when to see a doctor? – K. T.
A: There are several types of chest pain because chest pain may also be caused by problems in your lungs, esophagus muscles, ribs or nerves.
RELATED: Is Your Chest Pain Cause for Concern?
Featured on BlackDoctor
If a sharp pain seems to be coming from a very specific location, it’s probably not heart pain. The pain associated with a heart attack is generally dull and diffusely located in the chest.
For example: One day your chest pain is on the right side of your chest, and the next day it’s on the left side of your chest. Heart pain can radiate into the arms, jaw and between the shoulder blades, but it rarely moves from place to place on different days.
This could be anything from pericarditis (a swelling of the membrane surrounding the heart) to a cracked rib.
Blockage in the heart blood vessels that causes reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. The chest pain may spread to your arm, shoulder, jaw or back. It may feel like a pressure or squeezing sensation.
Severe, crushing pain usually in the center or left side of the chest and is not relieved by rest. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
Inflammation or infections of the sac around the heart. Sharp, steady pain along the upper neck and shoulder muscle.
A genetic disease that causes the heart muscle to grow thick. This type of chest pain and
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
