Chest Pain but the Doctor Says the Heart Is Fine

A heart condition causes chest discomfort, but a lung infection, muscular strain, rib injury, or panic attack might also cause it. Some of them are severe conditions requiring medical intervention. When facing chest pain but the doctor says the heart is fine, we should investigate other non-cardiac causes of chest pain. It is also significant since the discomfort might be caused by other urgent diseases and minor concerns that may indicate a chronic medical problem.

Non-Cardiac Causes of Chest Pain 

It is critical to distinguish them from heart-related reasons to receive proper treatment. Some non-cardiac causes of chest discomfort are:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

Acid reflux can irritate the esophagus, causing a burning feeling or chest discomfort.

Musculoskeletal Pain (costochondritis)

A strain or injury to the muscles, ribs, or cartilage in the chest wall.

Panic Attacks/worry

Emotional tension, panic, or worry can cause chest tightness, pressure, or severe pain, which is frequently accompanied by fast breathing, dizziness, and palpitations.

Pulmonary conditions

Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A blood clot in the lungs.

Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung.

Pneumonia: An infection in the lungs.

Esophageal disorders 

such as esophageal spasm, esophagitis, or an esophageal rip (Boerhaave syndrome), can all induce chest discomfort.

Shingles 

The herpes zoster virus can create a painful rash across the chest, which is commonly accompanied by acute or burning discomfort.

Aortic Dissection

A rupture in the aorta, the main blood channel that transports blood from the heart, can cause abrupt and severe chest discomfort.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can produce discomfort that appears to be in the chest, especially if the ulcer is close to the diaphragm.

Costochondritis

Inflammation of the cartilage that links the ribs to the sternum can produce localized chest discomfort, which is typically palpable.

When Chest Pain Isn’t Related to Your Heart 

It can be difficult to distinguish between chest discomfort that is connected to the heart and chest pain but the doctor says the heart is fine, important distinctions are as follows:

Chest pain due to heart issues

• feels tight or compressed.
• it frequently spreads to the back, jaw, or arm.
• accompanied by nausea, dizziness, perspiration, or shortness of breath.
• lasts longer and might get worse when you move.

 chest pain but the doctor says the heart is fine

• Musculoskeletal: Pressure or movement exacerbates acute discomfort.
• Gastrointestinal: Antacids reduce burning or acute discomfort, usually after eating.
• Lung problems: Severe discomfort that becomes worse when you cough or take heavy breaths, frequently accompanied by fever.
• Anxiety: Tightness in the chest and a fast pulse, frequently associated with stress.
• Nerve problems: Localized, intense pain, occasionally accompanied by a rash (shingles).

Read Also: Right-Side Chest Pain When Breathing

What to Know About Chest Pain Without Heart Issues

Heart problems are not necessarily the cause of chest discomfort. Typical reasons unrelated to the heart include:

• musculoskeletal issues, such as muscular strain or costochondritis.
• digestive problems (such as hiatal hernia, esophageal spasms, or acid reflux).
• pulmonary issues, such as pneumonia, pleurisy, or pulmonary embolism.
• psychological elements (such as panic episodes or anxiety).
• disorders of the nerves (such as intercostal neuralgia or shingles).

To rule out severe illnesses, it is crucial to get chest discomfort evaluated. 

Reference

• Fass, R., & Achem, S. R. (2011). Noncardiac Chest Pain: Epidemiology, Natural Course and Pathogenesis. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 17(2), 110–123.
• Frieling, T. (2018). Non-Cardiac Chest Pain. Visceral Medicine, 34(2), 92–96.