Chest pain

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Chest tightness)

Chest pain is a common symptom experienced by people of all ages. It can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from relatively benign conditions to potentially life-threatening diseases. The underlying causes of chest pain can involve several different bodily systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.

Depiction of a person suffering from chest pain
Heart Attack Chest Pain

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Chest pain can present in a variety of ways, depending on the underlying cause. It may be described as sharp, dull, burning, aching, tight, or crushing. The pain may be localized to one area of the chest, or it may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Other accompanying symptoms can provide clues to the cause of the pain.

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UOTW 71 - Ultrasound of the Week 4

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Evaluation[edit | edit source]

The evaluation of a patient with chest pain begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Specific diagnostic tests will depend on the suspected cause and may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, blood tests, stress test, echocardiogram, or more specialized studies like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Management[edit | edit source]

Management of chest pain is largely determined by its underlying cause. For example, myocardial infarction may require interventions such as thrombolysis or angioplasty, while GERD may be treated with lifestyle changes and medications to reduce stomach acid.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • Kontos MC, Diercks DB, Kirk JD. (2010). Emergency Department and Office-Based Evaluation of Patients With Chest Pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 85(3), 284-299.
  • McConaghy JR, Oza RS. (2013). Outpatient Diagnosis of Acute Chest Pain in Adults. American Family Physician, 87(3), 177-182.
  • Fruergaard P, Launbjerg J, Hesse B, Jørgensen F, Petri A, Eiken P, Aggestrup S, Elsborg L, Mellemgaard K. (1996). The diagnoses of patients admitted with acute chest pain but without myocardial infarction. European Heart Journal, 17(7), 1028-1034.
Chest pain Resources



Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD