What causes occasional sharp pain below the right side of the heart, and what should be done about it?
Jun 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Occasional sharp pain below the right side of the heart may be caused by conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, intercostal neuralgia, or pericarditis, and can be improved with medications, surgery, or other treatments. It could also result from cardiomyopathy, infective endocarditis, or congenital heart disease. If any physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and appropriate treatment should be sought.
Occasional sharp pain in the lower right side of the heart may be caused by conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), intercostal neuralgia, or pericarditis. These can be improved through medication, surgery, or other treatments. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease refers to dysfunction of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, causing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. When gastric acid and stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, they irritate the esophageal mucosa and surrounding nerve endings, leading to esophageal inflammation and nerve hypersensitivity. In severe cases, the pain may radiate to the chest and cardiac area. Patients can take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules under medical guidance.
2. Intercostal Neuralgia
Intercostal neuralgia occurs due to inflammation or injury of the ribs and cartilage, which stimulates surrounding nerve endings and causes radiating pain. Patients can take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or mecobalamin tablets under medical supervision.
3. Pericarditis
Pericarditis causes local congestion, exudation, and fibrosis of the pericardial membrane, increasing pericardial pressure and tension. This stimulates surrounding nerve endings and pain receptors, resulting in pain. Additionally, inflammation can lead to friction and adhesions between the pericardium and myocardium, worsening precordial pain. Patients can use medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets or recombinant streptokinase for injection under a doctor's guidance.
Besides the above causes, similar symptoms may also result from cardiomyopathy, infective endocarditis, or congenital heart disease. If bodily discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.
