What are the main causes of rib cage pain. How can you differentiate between minor and severe chest pain. When should you seek medical attention for rib cage discomfort. What are the symptoms associated with different types of chest pain.

Understanding Rib Cage Pain: Symptoms and Causes

Rib cage pain is a frequent complaint that can stem from various factors, ranging from minor injuries to more serious medical conditions. The discomfort may manifest as sharp, sudden pain or as a dull, persistent ache. While many instances of rib cage pain are not linked to severe conditions and often resolve independently or with minimal treatment, some cases may indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

To properly diagnose the underlying cause of rib cage pain, medical professionals typically perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans. This comprehensive approach allows for accurate identification of the issue and appropriate treatment planning.

Injury-Related Rib Cage Pain: Types and Diagnosis

Injuries to the chest area are the most common cause of rib cage pain. These injuries can occur due to falls, traffic accidents, or sports-related impacts. The types of injuries that may lead to rib cage pain include:

• Broken ribs
• Bruised ribs
• Fractured ribs
• Pulled muscles

How is injury-related rib cage pain diagnosed? Typically, when rib cage pain occurs following an injury, doctors use X-rays to identify bone breaks and fractures. For soft tissue damage, MRIs and other advanced imaging techniques may be employed to provide a more detailed view of the affected area.

Costochondritis: Inflammation of the Rib Cartilage

Costochondritis, also known as Tietze’s syndrome, is another frequent cause of rib cage pain. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage, particularly in the area where the upper ribs connect to the sternum, called the costosternal joint.

The pain associated with costochondritis can range from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include tenderness and pain when touching the chest area. In more severe cases, the pain may radiate down the limbs or interfere with daily activities.

Does costochondritis always require treatment? Not necessarily. Some cases of costochondritis resolve without intervention, while others may require medical treatment to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying inflammation.

Pleurisy: When Lung Linings Become Inflamed

Pleurisy, also referred to as pleuritis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the linings of the lungs and chest. The pleura, which are thin tissues lining the chest wall and lungs, normally slide smoothly across one another. However, when inflammation occurs, this smooth movement is disrupted, leading to friction and significant pain.

How long does pleurisy typically last? In most cases, pleurisy is a mild condition that resolves on its own within a few days to two weeks. Since the widespread use of antibiotics, pleurisy has become much less common than it was in the past.

It’s worth noting that other inflammatory conditions of the lungs, such as bronchitis, may also cause pain around the rib cage. These conditions should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer as a Potential Cause of Rib Cage Pain

Lung cancer, the second most common cancer in the United States, can sometimes manifest as rib cage or chest pain. This pain typically worsens when breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing. Other symptoms that may accompany lung cancer include:

• Coughing up blood or phlegm
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

Why is early detection of lung cancer crucial? The outlook for lung cancer is generally poorer compared to other forms of cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women. However, people diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer have a better chance of successful treatment, highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention.

Metastatic lung cancer, which begins in one area and spreads to the lungs, is a life-threatening condition that can also cause pain in the rib cage or chest. Any persistent or concerning chest pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions like cancer.

Fibromyalgia: Chronic Pain Condition Affecting the Rib Cage

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain throughout the body. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects an estimated 2-4 percent of people, with up to 90 percent of those affected being women.

The pain associated with fibromyalgia can be described as burning, throbbing, stabbing, or aching. While these sensations are commonly felt in the rib cage, fibromyalgia can affect any part of the body.

Is rib cage pain a common symptom in fibromyalgia patients? Research suggests that non-specific chest pain, including rib cage pain, is the most common co-existing condition leading to hospital admission in people with fibromyalgia. This underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia to improve patients’ quality of life.

Pulmonary Embolism: A Serious Cause of Rib Cage Pain

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when an artery in the lungs becomes blocked, often due to a blood clot that has traveled from elsewhere in the body, typically the legs. In addition to rib cage pain, pulmonary embolism can cause several other symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Coughing, sometimes accompanied by blood
• Anxiety
• Lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Irregular heartbeat

Why is prompt treatment of pulmonary embolism critical? PE is a serious condition that can damage the lungs and other organs due to reduced oxygen in the blood. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, approximately 30 percent of people who develop PE will die if they do not receive treatment. However, quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Recognizing the Signs of Pulmonary Embolism

Given the potential severity of pulmonary embolism, it’s crucial to recognize its signs and seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms. Some key indicators that may suggest a pulmonary embolism include:

1. Sudden onset of shortness of breath, especially if it worsens with exertion
2. Sharp chest pain that may worsen when breathing deeply or coughing
3. Rapid heart rate or palpitations
4. Coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum
5. Feeling faint or lightheaded
6. Excessive sweating
7. Anxiety or a sense of impending doom

If you experience a combination of these symptoms, particularly if they come on suddenly, it’s important to seek emergency medical care. Early intervention can be life-saving in cases of pulmonary embolism.

The Anatomy of the Rib Cage: Understanding Its Structure and Function

The rib cage plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs and facilitating breathing. To better understand rib cage pain, it’s helpful to know the basic anatomy of this structure:

• The rib cage consists of 24 ribs, with 12 on each side of the body.
• It shields important organs in the chest, including the heart and lungs.
• Ribs are attached to the breastbone (sternum) at the front of the chest by cartilage, which provides flexibility.
• At the back, ribs are connected to the spine.
• The liver is located at the lower end of the rib cage on the right side, while the spleen is on the left.
• The gallbladder and kidneys are positioned just below the rib cage.

How does the structure of the rib cage contribute to its function? The combination of bone and cartilage in the rib cage allows for both protection and flexibility. This design enables the chest to expand and contract during breathing while still safeguarding the vital organs within.

The Role of Rib Cage in Respiration

The rib cage plays a vital role in the process of respiration. During inhalation, the following occurs:

1. The diaphragm contracts and moves downward
2. The external intercostal muscles between the ribs contract
3. This causes the rib cage to expand outward and upward
4. The expansion increases the volume of the chest cavity
5. The increased volume creates negative pressure in the lungs
6. Air rushes into the lungs to equalize the pressure

During exhalation, the process reverses, with the rib cage moving inward and downward, helping to expel air from the lungs. This continuous cycle of expansion and contraction is essential for efficient breathing and oxygenation of the blood.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Rib Cage Pain

While many cases of rib cage pain are not cause for immediate concern, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. You should seek medical care if you experience:

• Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain accompanied by fever, chills, or cough
• Pain that spreads to the arm, shoulder, or jaw
• Sudden, sharp pain along with lightheadedness or rapid heartbeat
• Any chest pain following a traumatic injury

Why is it important not to ignore persistent or severe rib cage pain? While many causes of rib cage pain are benign, some can indicate serious underlying conditions that require prompt treatment. Seeking medical attention when experiencing concerning symptoms ensures timely diagnosis and appropriate care, potentially preventing complications or more serious health issues.

Diagnostic Approaches for Rib Cage Pain

When evaluating rib cage pain, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic techniques to determine the underlying cause. These may include:

1. Physical examination: Assessing the area for tenderness, swelling, or visible injuries
2. Medical history review: Discussing symptoms, recent activities, and any relevant medical conditions
3. Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize bones, soft tissues, and organs
4. Blood tests: To check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other systemic issues
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): To rule out heart-related causes of chest pain
6. Pulmonary function tests: To assess lung function if respiratory issues are suspected

The specific diagnostic approach will depend on the presenting symptoms, medical history, and the healthcare provider’s clinical assessment. A thorough evaluation helps ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

Treatment Options for Rib Cage Pain

The treatment for rib cage pain varies depending on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice or heat therapy
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
• Prescribed medications for specific conditions
• Physical therapy or gentle exercises
• Deep breathing exercises to prevent complications like pneumonia
• Treatment of underlying conditions (e.g., antibiotics for infections)

In cases of serious conditions like pulmonary embolism or cancer, more intensive treatments may be necessary. These could include anticoagulation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the specific diagnosis.

How long does it typically take for rib cage pain to resolve? The recovery time can vary greatly depending on the cause. Minor injuries might heal within a few weeks, while more serious conditions may require longer-term treatment and management. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any persistent symptoms.

Preventing Rib Cage Pain

While not all causes of rib cage pain are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Practice proper form during physical activities and sports
2. Use appropriate safety equipment, such as seatbelts and protective gear
3. Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the chest and back muscles
4. Stay physically active to keep muscles and bones strong
5. Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
6. Manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD as directed by your healthcare provider
7. Practice stress-reduction techniques to help manage conditions like fibromyalgia

By incorporating these preventive measures into your lifestyle, you can potentially reduce the likelihood of experiencing rib cage pain and promote overall chest and respiratory health.

6 possible causes of rib cage pain

Rib cage pain is a common complaint that can result from many factors, ranging from a fractured rib to lung cancer. The pain may be sudden and sharp or dull and aching.

Many cases of rib cage pain are not linked to serious conditions and resolve on their own or with minimal treatment. Others, however, are medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

There are many possible causes of rib cage pain. A doctor will diagnose the underlying cause by a physical examination and imaging scans.

Common reasons for rib cage pain include:

1. Injury

Injury to the chest from falls, traffic collisions, and sports-related contact is the most common cause of rib cage pain. Types of injury include:

• broken ribs
• bruised ribs
• fractured ribs
• pulled muscle

Rib cage pain that begins following injury is typically diagnosed with an X-ray to highlight bone breaks and fractures. MRIs and other scans can detect soft tissue damage.

2. Costochondritis

Costochondritis or Tietze’s syndrome is another common cause of rib cage pain.

This condition is characterized by inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. It usually occurs in the cartilage that joins the upper ribs to the sternum, an area called the costosternal joint.

Rib cage pain due to costochondritis ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms include tenderness and pain when touching the chest area. Severe cases can lead to pain that radiates down the limbs, or pain that interferes with daily life.

Some cases of costochondritis resolve without treatment, while others require medical intervention.

3. Pleurisy

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the linings of the lungs and chest.

The pleura are thin tissues that line the wall of the chest and the lungs. In their healthy state, they smoothly slide across one another. However, inflammation causes them to rub, leading to significant pain.

Since the advent of antibiotics, pleurisy is much less common than it was. Even when it does occur, it is often a mild condition that resolves on its own. Pleurisy usually lasts from a few days to 2 weeks.

Other inflammatory conditions of the lungs, such as bronchitis, may also cause pain around the rib cage.

4. Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States.

One of the symptoms of lung cancer is rib cage pain or chest pain that gets worse upon breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing. Other symptoms to look out for include coughing up blood or phlegm, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

The outlook for lung cancer is poorer than other forms of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. People with early-stage lung cancer have a better chance of being cured, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Metastatic lung cancer, or cancer that begins in one area and spreads to the lungs, is a life-threatening condition. It will also cause pain in the rib cage or chest.

5. Fibromyalgia

This is a chronic condition, causing pain throughout the body. Fibromyalgia is estimated by the American College of Rheumatology to affect between 2-4 percent of people, up to 90 percent of whom are women.

The pain associated with fibromyalgia may be burning, throbbing, stabbing, or aching. These pains are commonly felt in the rib cage, although any part of the body can be affected.

Some research suggests that non-specific chest pain, including rib cage pain, is the most common co-existing condition that leads to hospital admission in people with fibromyalgia.

6. Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is when an artery going into the lungs becomes blocked. The blockage is often caused by a blood clot that has traveled up from one of the legs.

As well as rib cage pain, PE can cause the following symptoms:

• shortness of breath
• rapid breathing
• coughing, including coughing up blood
• anxiety
• lightheadedness
• sweating
• irregular heartbeat

PE is a serious condition that can damage the lungs and other organs due to reduced oxygen in the blood. Anyone who experiences the symptoms of PE should see a doctor.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimate that 30 percent of people who develop PE will die if they do not receive treatment. Fortunately, a quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

The rib cage consists of 24 ribs, 12 on either side, and it shields the organs of the chest, including the heart and the lungs, from damage.

The ribs are attached to the breastbone, which is the long bone that runs down the center of the chest. They are attached at the front, by cartilage, which is a firm yet flexible tissue. At the back, they are attached to the spine.

The liver is located at the lower end of the rib cage on the right and the spleen is on the left. Both are given some protection by the rib bones. The gallbladder and kidneys lie just below the rib cage.

If any of the components of the rib cage, including the bones or cartilage, or the organs nearby are affected by injury or illness, a person will have pain in or near the rib cage.

Rib cage pain may occur in the chest, below the ribs, or above the naval. As there are several different causes of rib cage pain, the symptoms can vary. As a result, the pain may be:

• sharp
• dull
• aching
• sudden
• slow to develop
• constant
• intermittent
• worse when breathing in or moving

Other symptoms affecting the rib cage can include:

• bruising
• tenderness
• difficulty breathing

Rib cage pain can be attributed to many underlying injuries or medical conditions. A person should always consult a doctor in any case of unexplained rib cage pain.

If the pain or pressure in the chest is severe and breathing becomes difficult, a person should seek emergency medical treatment, as these symptoms could indicate a heart attack.

Back rib pain: Causes and treatment

Pain in the back ribs can happen for many reasons. It can result from an injury, such as muscle strain or fractured rib, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as osteoporosis, gallstones, or a lung condition.

The pain may be sharp or dull and mild or severe. Often, the pain resolves without intervention, but it can sometimes indicate a more serious medical condition that requires specialist care. This is more likely if the pain is intense or there are other symptoms.

This article looks at some common causes of pain in the back of the ribs, as well as the associated symptoms and typical treatments.

Injuries can cause back rib pain. Common rib-related injuries include:

• bruised ribs
• pulled muscles
• fractures
• broken ribs

If pain after an injury is lasting or severe, the cause may be a broken rib. To diagnose this injury, a doctor may use an X-ray or MRI.

Treatment options vary. Many people with broken ribs just need rest and pain relief medication. Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary, but only in severe cases.

An intercostal muscle strain is an injury to the muscles between the ribs. A strain occurs when these muscles tear, often due to strenuous physical activity.

Common symptoms of an intercostal muscle strain include:

• sharp, severe pain in the upper back or ribs
• stiffness and tension in the upper back muscles
• spasms in the intercostal muscles

To treat this type of strain, doctors often recommend pain medication and physical therapy.

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that holds the ribs together. It is a common condition, particularly in adults aged 40–50, and it causes pain in the chest wall, sometimes at the back of the ribs.

The pain may be strong and sharp, and it may get worse when the person takes a deep breath. It may also worsen with movement.

Treatment may involve:

• heat therapy
• local or oral pain medications
• capsaicin cream
• physical therapy

For many people with costochondritis, the issue improves in a few weeks. However, because the symptoms can be similar to those of a heart condition, it is vital to speak with a doctor.

Preexisting conditions, such as osteoporosis, can weaken the ribs so that they break more easily, often during less intensive activities.

Osteoporosis causes the bones to lose the minerals that they need to stay strong. With a low mineral density, bones can fracture spontaneously or when the person is coughing. It is a common condition in older adults, especially in females.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 12.6% of adults over 50 had osteoporosis in 2017–2018. The figure for females only was 19.6%.

The symptoms of osteoporosis include soreness and pain. Healthcare professionals often diagnose the issue with X-rays. They may also test a person’s kidney and thyroid function.

Some treatment options for osteoporosis include:

• doing gentle strength training
• reducing alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, if applicable
• taking calcium and vitamin D3 supplements
• taking medications that reduce the risk of fractures

Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the muscles and bones. People may also have specific tender points. Researchers are unsure what causes it, but it is more common in females than in males.

Beyond the pain, fibromyalgia often occurs with:

• fatigue
• headaches
• paresthesia, which is a numb or burning sensation, usually in the extremities
• depression
• anxiety
• cognitive disturbances, such as problems processing and remembering information

Because fibromyalgia has such diverse symptoms, doctors may recommend a variety of interventions, including:

• improving sleep quality
• practicing relaxation techniques
• starting cognitive behavioral therapy
• getting regular cardiovascular exercise
• taking medications, including antidepressants and anticonvulsants

Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder. They sometimes cause no symptoms, but they can also move and block the ducts of the gallbladder, leading to problems.

Gallstones can cause pain, especially when they block ducts. The classic presentation is pain in the upper right part of the stomach, under or around the ribs. Some people also feel the pain in their back, such as between their shoulder blades.

The pain may be intense, though it is mild for some people. It usually develops shortly after a meal and lasts for a few hours. A person may also have nausea and vomiting or jaundice. This yellowing of the eyes and skin signals that the gallstones are affecting the liver. It may also cause dark urine.

A blocked gallbladder duct can become a medical emergency. Anyone with gallstones should receive prompt medical attention for any intense abdominal pain, especially if there is jaundice.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in a lung is blocked, often by a blood clot. A person may initially notice pain and swelling in one leg when the clot blocks a blood vessel there. If the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs.

Pulmonary embolisms are serious and relatively common. Research shows that they are responsible for around 100,000 deaths per year in the United States, and this figure is rising.

Aside from pain in the back of the ribs, a pulmonary embolism can cause the following symptoms:

• coughing, which may bring up blood
• sweating
• headaches and lightheadedness
• shortness of breath
• rapid breathing
• anxiety
• an irregular heartbeat

A pulmonary embolism is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Typically, treatment involves blood thinning medication, which makes it harder for clots to form. A person who cannot tolerate this approach receives a different medication that prevents the blood from clotting.

Certain health conditions that affect the lungs can also cause back rib pain.

For example, pleurisy, or inflammation of the lining of the lungs, can cause pain in the chest, shoulders, and back ribs. Researchers know that several underlying issues can cause pleurisy. For this reason, the treatments are varied.

Lung cancer can also cause pain in the chest and ribs. It is life threatening and a leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.

Other symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, which may bring up blood, and shortness of breath.

The best course of treatment depends on the cancer’s type and stage, as well as factors specific to each individual. A person may need to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

A person should contact a doctor about back rib pain if:

• The pain worsens.
• It remains after a few days of home treatment.
• It limits the ability to move.
• It occurs with a fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, or other symptoms.

People who think that they may have gallstones should call a healthcare professional and ask if their symptoms are signs of an emergency. But anyone with intense gallstone pain should go to an emergency room.

In general, seek emergency treatment if:

• The pain is so severe that it limits the ability to function.
• It occurs with jaundice.
• It occurs with trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• The person feels very sick.
• Any symptoms rapidly worsen over several hours.

Minor injuries can cause pain in the back ribs. These injuries are not usually dangerous, and they often heal on their own.

However, this pain can also stem from a more serious health condition. This is especially likely if the pain is very intense, comes on suddenly, with no clear cause, or occurs with other symptoms. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications and death.

Anyone with persistent or severe back rib pain should contact a healthcare professional.

Tactics of behavior in case of chest pain and risk factors for myocardial infarction – Prevention of diseases and healthy lifestyle – Budgetary institution of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra

The most common cause of chest pain is angina pectoris or “angina pectoris”.

Angina pectoris is a form of coronary heart disease (CHD), the obvious signs of which are considered to be pain in the heart and shortness of breath. This pathology occurs against the background of a violation of the supply of the heart with a sufficient amount of blood, which is a consequence of the defeat of the coronary arteries by atherosclerosis.

Since this pathology is one of the forms of coronary artery disease, if it is present, there is an obstruction in one or both coronary arteries, which prevents the blood from circulating normally. This condition is accompanied by attacks of myocardial ischemia, that is, a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle.

The most obvious sign indicating the development of angina pectoris is considered to be the so-called imbalance between the need of the heart muscle for oxygen and the supply of oxygen to the region of the heart. To put it simply, the patient’s heart receives much less amount of blood than he needs.

Lack of oxygen makes itself felt at the moment of physical activity – that is why in patients with this pathology attacks develop during physical work or under the influence of a stressful situation.

Painful sensations resemble seizures. Pain during such attacks is simply unbearable – it seems to burn, press and compress, it arises in the area behind the sternum and radiates to the left shoulder or to the whole arm. Very common pain is also accompanied by strong anxiety, and fear : a person is trying to find a place for himself, he is holding on to his left chest and cannot fully understand what is happening.

In the case of the initial forms of the development of the disease, pain recedes within one to five minutes after taking the drug. If the pain does not disappear after this period of time, then this is a signal that the disease has acquired a more severe course, and, therefore, the chances of developing a myocardial infarction are high.

In most cases, just one tablet of Nitroglycerin helps to forget about the pain. If one tablet is not enough to get rid of pain, it means that the risk of developing myocardial infarction is increased.

At the first manifestations of retrosternal pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. It should not be thought that young age excludes the possibility of angina pectoris, or that burning behind the sternum when running or walking quickly uphill cannot be a sign of “angina pectoris” in a person involved in sports.

During an attack, the following measures are recommended for immediate relief of pain:

• create physical and psycho-emotional rest for the patient: lie down, sit down, or stop if chest pains appear during exercise;
• urgently needs to take 1 tablet of nitroglycerin under the tongue. The analgesic effect of nitroglycerin usually occurs within 1-5 minutes. To stop an attack, 1-2 tablets of nitroglycerin are enough.
• if the attack is prolonged (lasts 15-20 minutes) and repeated doses of nitroglycerin are ineffective, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Do not self-medicate. If you do not promptly consult a doctor and do not start the prescribed treatment, the disease progresses.

Under conditions of “oxygen starvation” in case of pain, myocardial cells can live for 20-30 minutes . Then they die. This is a heart attack, a site of necrosis in the tissue of the heart. A scar remains on the affected area.

There are risk factors for myocardial infarction , the elimination of which significantly reduces the risk of its development: smoking, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension.

For the first time chest pain or shortness of breath on previously well tolerated exertion, an urgent need to consult a cardiologist. The District Cardiological Dispensary has the whole range of diagnostic procedures necessary in this case: all currently known methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease, both performed on an outpatient basis and in a hospital.

Experienced cardiologists of the District Cardiology Dispensary evaluate the patient’s condition and decide where to conduct examinations. In some cases of severe manifestation of the disease or ineffectiveness of medical treatment, cardiologists organize the hospitalization of patients in a specialized department, also located in the cardio center. Thus, patients receive the whole range of diagnostic and therapeutic measures in one center, which is an exclusive offer in the city of Surgut.

A.A. Seitov, cardiologist, head of the emergency cardiology department of the KhMAO-Yugra OKD “CD and SSH”

Chest pain – heart or other causes of pain

Chest pain is a rather unpleasant sensation that can be life threatening. It is important to react in time to prevent a catastrophe. The main causes of chest pain are heart, respiratory, muscle and bone problems. We will analyze all possible options.

When the pain is deadly

The most dangerous pain is associated with diseases of the heart and lungs. This condition can be recognized by the following signs:

1. The pain sensation lasts more than 5 minutes.
2. Sharp burning pain behind the sternum, which gradually spreads to the neck, shoulders and back.
3. There is a feeling of pressure and tightness in the chest.
4. The heartbeat is greatly increased, the patient becomes difficult to breathe, shortness of breath appears.
5. A person is thrown into a cold sweat, dizziness begins, weakness and nausea with vomiting appear.

If any of these symptoms occur, an ambulance should be called immediately.

The cause of chest pain is the heart

The following pathologies can provoke pain in the heart:

1. Heart attack. A condition that results from a blood clot that blocks one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. With a heart attack, there is a sharp sharp and burning pain behind the sternum.
2. Cardiomyopathy. This pathology includes a number of diseases that share one symptom – the heart muscle begins to weaken, resulting in difficulties with pumping blood. Pain in cardiomyopathy can occur after eating or exercise.
3. Aortic rupture. The aorta is the largest artery in the human body and receives blood directly from the heart. Over time, from a heavy load, the walls of the aorta begin to thin out and aneurysmal sacs appear, with which a person can live for a long time without any signs of an aneurysm. But sometimes the walls of the aorta do not withstand, as a result of which a dissection or rupture can occur. This condition is deadly for a person, therefore, with sudden acute pain in the chest, which does not subside, is accompanied by dizziness and profuse cold sweating, as well as rapid breathing, it is urgent to call an ambulance.

Why else can you have pain in the chest

Chest pain can be related to the respiratory, digestive and muscle organs.

Respiratory problems

1. Pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs is a complication after suffering the flu or other colds. The patient has shortness of breath and severe pain when trying to take a breath.
2. Lung collapse. Pneumothorax or collapse of the lung occurs when air enters between the lungs and the ribs. The patient develops shortness of breath and severe pain.
3. Pleurisy. A disease characterized by inflammation of the pleura. Pain in the patient’s chest with pleurisy occurs during each attempt to take a breath.
4. Lung cancer. Pain can occur even at rest. Often this is accompanied by a wet cough with an admixture of blood in the sputum.

Digestive problems

Gastrointestinal pathologies also cause chest pain:

1. Heartburn. This condition occurs when stomach acid enters the esophagus. Often with heartburn there is a burning sensation behind the sternum.
2. Diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder. Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation can cause pain in the right side of the chest.
3. Dysphagia. Pathology characterized by problems with swallowing. In some cases, it can cause severe chest pain.

Muscle and bone problems

Muscle and bone problems causing chest pain:

1. Rib injuries. Pain occurs when fractures or bruises of the ribs and soft tissues.
2. Fibromyalgia. The disease is characterized by dull pain in the muscles, the nature of which is still unknown. The pain caused by fibromyalgia can last for several months.
3. Costochondritis. A disease in which the cartilage that connects the chest and ribs becomes inflamed. Signs of costochondritis resemble a heart attack.

Chest Pain Helpful VIDEO

Chest Pain Diagnosis

In order to make a correct diagnosis explaining the causes of pain, you need to:

• Consult a cardiologist
• Pass a blood test – general and biochemical, in addition, it is necessary to check the blood for markers of myocardial infarction
• If the cough is severe, a sputum test should be done
• Make an electrocardiogram
• Supplement with cardiac ultrasound if necessary

If you experience chest pain, you cannot make a diagnosis based on knowledge obtained from the Internet.