Atypical Chest Pain

In medical terminology, a feeling of pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest that is usually felt on exertion is referred to as stable angina. Angina is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease, which is a heart condition characterized by a reduced supply of oxygenated blood to the heart. If the pain experienced by a sufferer doesn't have the attributes of the typical angina, one is said to suffer from an atypical chest pain. Unlike the typical pain or pressure in the chest, which is brought about by physical exertion, and is felt under the breastbone, sometimes symptoms may be atypical. Such a pain may not be felt under the sternum and may also radiate to other regions. It is believed that men are more likely to suffer from typical chest pain during a heart attack than women. In case of a typical heart attack, a squeezing pain is experienced towards the left section of the chest, and usually radiates to the left shoulder and arm, jaw, and the back. When the pain is radiated to other regions and other symptoms are experienced, one is said to be experiencing atypical symptoms.

Atypical Chest Pain

Causes

Unlike the classic symptoms of angina, atypical symptoms are similar to the symptoms that are seen in respiratory, musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal disorders. Atypical symptoms generally include fatigue, sweating, lightheadedness or breathing difficulties. Though chest pain is often viewed as a warning sign of serious heart conditions such as coronary artery disease or a heart attack, pain could arise due to non-cardiac problems as well. The pain may be musculoskeletal or could be of a psychogenic nature. Here are some of the non-cardiac causes of atypical pain in the chest.

Costochondritis: Costochondritis is one of the common non-cardiac causes of pain in chest region. Chest pain, painful or labored breathing are the common symptoms of costochondritis. This condition is associated with the inflammation of costal cartilages that join the ends of the ribs with the sternum. The inflammation may be caused due to upper respiratory infections, repetitive strain injuries or blunt chest trauma. Intercostal strains are also quite common in those who participate in sports that involve swinging of arms.

Stress: Stress is the main cause of many health problems. Anxiety or stress can also lead to chest pain. Profuse sweating, pressure in the chest or dizziness are some of the symptoms that one may experience during a panic attack. The tightness in the chest or pain that is often experienced during phases of heightened anxiety occur when the muscles in the chest wall contract.

Acid Reflux Disease: Acid reflux disease is a medical condition that is characterized by the back-flow of stomach acid or gastric contents from the stomach to the esophagus. The regurgitation of the gastric contents is usually caused due to the weakening of the esophageal sphincter muscle. When the gastric contents are pushed towards the esophagus, it leads to a burning sensation in the chest. This burning sensation in chest is medically referred to as heartburn. Consuming acidic foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are seen as precipitating factors for acid reflux disease. Inflammation of the esophagus and esophageal spasms can also cause discomfort.

Lung Conditions: This type of chest pain could also arise due to lung conditions. Pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, pleurisy and bronchitis are some of the respiratory conditions that could lead to chest wall pain. Respiratory conditions often lead to severe coughing, which in turn, can put strain on the chest muscles.

Treatment

If one has been experiencing recurring episodes of chest pain, a thorough medical examination must be performed in order to ascertain the underlying cause. The duration, intensity and other characteristics of the pain in the chest can help them determine whether the pain in chest is typical or atypical. If the symptoms are atypical and the pain in the chest region is attributed to non-cardiac causes, the treatment will depend on the underlying condition. While painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed for costochondritis, use of antacids may be recommended for heartburn. Relaxation techniques along with drug therapy may prove beneficial for those who suffer from panic attacks. If the diagnostic tests or imaging procedures reveal blockage in arteries and the patient is diagnosed with coronary artery disease, aortic dissection, pericarditis or heart valve disorders, the treatment will usually involve drug therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Though diagnosis of heart conditions become easier if a person is exhibiting classic symptoms of angina, there have been instances of people experiencing atypical symptoms due to cardiac problems as well. This is why a thorough medical checkup must be conducted at the earliest.