Chest Pain

The chest is the area where the heart and lungs are located. These organs are protected by the rib cage and breastbone. Many different conditions can cause pain in the chest.

What is going on in the body?

Chest pain is a common complaint. In adults, it is often a cause for concern because it can signal a heart attack. However, many conditions ranging from a pulled muscle to pneumonia can also cause chest pain.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The are many different causes for chest pain. These include:

Other causes are also possible. In some cases, the cause is never found.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Chest pain symptoms are related to the underlying cause of the pain. The person's description of the pain can be helpful to the healthcare provider in determining its source. Questions the provider may ask include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

Individuals can determine for themselves that they have chest pain. It is the healthcare provider's job to find the cause of the pain. The provider will perform a physical exam and take a medical history. Sometimes the cause of the chest pain can be uncovered from this alone. Further testing may be ordered based on the history and physical. This may include chest x-rays, blood and urine tests, and a heart tracing called an electrocardiogram (ECG).

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention depends on the underlying cause of the chest pain. For example, avoiding overexertion can prevent muscle strain. In many cases chest pain cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

The long-term effects are related to the underlying cause of the chest pain. For example, a heart attack may result in heart failure or death. The pain itself may cause discomfort severe enough prevent sleeping and other activities.

What are the risks to others?

Chest pain itself poses no risks to others. However, a person's chest pain may be due to a contagious infection such as pneumonia.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the chest pain. For example, a person with an infection such as pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. A person with aortic dissection may need surgery. Pain medications can be given to control pain. In some cases this is the only option since the underlying cause cannot be treated. An example of this situation would be a person with chest pain due to lung cancer. Pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotics may be ordered.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications have possible side effects. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Narcotics can cause nausea, constipation and allergic reactions. Other side effects are also possible, depending on the medication used. Surgery carries the risks of bleeding, infection and allergic reactions to pain medications. More specific side effects depend on the surgery performed.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the underlying cause is treated, the chest pain will usually go away. Some people may need ongoing pain medication. This would be the case for people with arthritis.

How is the condition monitored?

Affected people can monitor their own chest pain and how well it responses to treatment. Chest pain can be a serious symptom and should not be ignored. Those with severe chest pain or known heart disease should go to the nearest hospital for evaluation of the pain.

Author:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Slon, Stephanie, BA
Edit Date:06/12/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:09/04/01

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