What is chest pain

Generally, chest pain is a common clinical symptom referring to discomfort or pain occurring within the chest area. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Chest pain may occur behind the sternum, in the precordial area, or on the left or right side of the chest. The nature of the pain varies and may manifest as dull pain, stabbing pain, pressure-like pain, vague discomfort, distending pain, etc. The severity of chest pain ranges from mild to severe. Mild chest pain may only cause occasional discomfort, while severe pain can be excruciating and may be accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, profuse sweating, and palpitations.

There are numerous causes of chest pain. Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes; for example, during an episode of coronary heart disease, myocardial ischemia can lead to a squeezing pain in the precordial area, which may radiate to the left shoulder and left arm. Respiratory conditions such as pleuritis and pneumothorax can also cause chest pain, typically accompanied by symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. Digestive system disorders such as esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may sometimes present as a burning pain behind the sternum. Additionally, chest wall muscle strain, rib fractures, and herpes zoster can all lead to chest pain. Psychological factors such as anxiety and panic attacks may also cause chest pain, which is usually brief and closely related to emotional state.

If chest pain occurs, prompt medical evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.