Chest pain: where it comes from?

Chest pain brings immediate thought of a heart attack. Heart problems are not the only causes of pain in the chest area.

A sudden pain is particularly alarming. It is true that chest pain may suggest heart disease. There are many other causes. What else can cause chest pains? That is the question I will answer in this article.

In the chest cavity is where the vital organs of the heart and lungs live. A protective cage of muscle, skin and bones encase the heart and lungs.

Pain that is felt in the chest may also come form any part of the outer cage; such as the membranes, or in the vital organs themselves.

Minor causes of pain are a strained muscle, possibly due to overexerting or a severe cough. These pains often are sudden, sharp and made worse with movement. Some types of back injuries may manifest themselves as chest pain. Inflammation of the muscles surrounding your rib cage can cause great pain. These pains are usually only on one side and accompanied by fever, sore throat, or cough. Most of these pain are sharp and extremely painful but not life threatening.

If your pain is severe and persistent a cracked or fractured rib may be the culprit.. Prolonged coughing spell or excessive nausea often results in a cracked rib.

Serious causes of pain due to disorders of the heart or lungs are very serious..

Because of the different causes of pains it is very important that a person be familiar with the signs of an impending heart attack. If you experience severe chest pain without any cause, meaning there is no pulled muscle, or injury to your ribs, or underlying inflammation accompanied by fever or sore throat. It makes sense to go to the doctor or hospital as soon as possible. An examination by a licensed physician is the action of choice when the cause of pain is in doubt.

Signs of a Heart Attack:

A dull crushing pain that feels like a great weight is sitting on your chest

Pain may extend into the neck and jaw

Pain may also extend along the arms.

Nausea is possible.

The person may feel extreme fear and a strong feeling of imminent death.

All pains in the chest are not heart related, however, take care not to ignore chest pain. Early intervention should it be a heart attack is vital to the survival of the patient.