What causes chest pain and chest tightness?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, chest pain and tightness may be caused by poor posture, anxiety or stress, physical activity, gastroesophageal reflux, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, arrange exercise appropriately, and avoid excessive fatigue.
Chest pain and tightness are generally caused by poor posture, anxiety or stress, physical exertion, gastroesophageal reflux, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Poor Posture
Maintaining poor posture for extended periods—such as低头 while using a mobile phone or prolonged sitting—can lead to tension or strain in the chest muscles and ligaments, resulting in chest pain and tightness. It is important to maintain proper sitting and standing postures and avoid prolonged head-down positions or bending over.
2. Anxiety or Stress
Emotional tension, anxiety, or high stress levels may trigger sensations of chest pain and tightness. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga in daily life can help reduce anxiety and stress.
3. Physical Exertion
Intense exercise or physical labor increases the heart's demand for oxygen. When oxygen supply is insufficient, myocardial ischemia may occur, leading to chest pain and tightness. Gradually increasing physical activity intensity and avoiding sudden vigorous exercise is recommended.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be associated with overeating. Stomach acid irritates the esophageal mucosa, causing inflammation and damage that result in chest pain and tightness, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as acid regurgitation, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets under medical supervision.
5. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Long-term consumption of high-salt and high-fat foods may lead to coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Insufficient blood supply from the coronary arteries causes myocardial ischemia; metabolic byproducts then stimulate cardiac nerve endings, triggering chest pain and tightness, possibly accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions when taking medications such as nifedipine soft capsules, metoprolol tartrate sustained-release tablets, or isosorbide mononitrate capsules.
In daily life, it is important to avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods, reasonably plan exercise levels, and prevent excessive fatigue.
