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Chest Pain

The Three Sources
of Chest Pain.

Chest pain can come from the heart, lungs, or other causes — and treatment depends on which one it is.

01 · CardiacORIGIN

Cardiac

Coronary Artery
Cause

Chest pain occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart itself, become blocked or narrowed.

Symptom

A crushing pressure in the chest, squeezing pain, or pain radiating to the jaw or left arm

Risk Factor
High CholesterolHigh Blood PressureDiabetes
If you have any of these risk factors, be sure to consult a doctor
02 · PulmonaryORIGIN

Pulmonary

Lung/Pleural Inflammation
Cause

Chest pain can result from lung inflammation or pleurisy, often accompanied by coughing or phlegm.

Symptom

Sharp pain that worsens with breathing in or coughing, shortness of breath, and phlegm

Risk Factor
PneumoniaPleurisyBronchitis
Don't leave it untreated — consult a doctor
03 · OtherORIGIN

Other Causes

Reflux, Musculoskeletal, or Stress
Cause

Various causes including acid reflux, musculoskeletal problems in the chest wall, or stress and anxiety.

Symptom

A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) or tenderness in a specific area

Risk Factor
Acid RefluxChest Wall MusclesStress
A specialist's evaluation is needed for an accurate diagnosis
Examinations
06 STEPS

6 Diagnostic Steps

  1. 01
    Medical History History
    A detailed history covering when the pain started, its character (pressure or stabbing), how long it lasts, and any accompanying symptoms
  2. 02
    Physical Examination Physical Exam
    Listening for abnormal heart sounds or breath sounds, and checking the chest for tenderness or signs of injury
  3. 03
    Electrocardiogram (ECG) ECG
    Records the heart's electrical activity to help detect arrhythmia, heart enlargement, or coronary artery disease early
  4. 04
    Chest X-ray Chest X-Ray
    Checks for conditions such as pneumonia, pneumothorax, tuberculosis, or heart enlargement
  5. 05
    Echocardiogram Echocardiography
    Real-time imaging of heart structure, function, blood flow, and wall motion to assess heart attack, angina, or valve disease
  6. 06
    Blood Test Blood Test
    Measures cardiac enzyme levels, such as troponin, to check for heart muscle damage
Treatments
04 OPTIONS

4 Treatment Options

  • 01
    Medication Pharmacotherapy
    Nitroglycerin for angina, or antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication for inflammatory conditions
  • 02
    Managing Underlying Conditions Risk Factors
    Medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, along with diet management and quitting smoking
  • 03
    Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) PCI · Stent
    Opens severely narrowed arteries using a balloon or stent
  • 04
    Cause-Specific Treatment Etiologic Rx
    Acid-suppressing medication for acid reflux, or emergency surgery for pneumothorax or aortic dissection