Chest pain not always heart disease, can be lung or stomach issue: Experts

Chest pain does not always indicate a heart problem, medical experts have said. In addition to heart issues, problems in the lungs, stomach and other organs can also cause chest pain. The type, location and accompanying symptoms can help identify the potential cause.

According to various medical analyses, acid reflux or gastric issues often cause a feeling of a lump in the throat along with burning sensation and chest pain. Such problems tend to worsen after heavy meals or when lying down. This is typically identified as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Lung problems can also cause chest pain. If sharp or stabbing pain is felt on one side of the chest during breathing or coughing, it may indicate a lung issue. Pneumonia causes persistent chest pain along with coughing and breathing difficulties. Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) can also cause severe chest pain, which is often mistaken for a heart attack.

On the other hand, chest pain caused by heart disease has a different character. It typically involves pressure or heavy pain in the centre of the chest, which may gradually spread to the throat, jaw, shoulder or left arm. Accompanying symptoms may include sweating, breathlessness and increased heart rate. If such symptoms appear, experts advise seeking immediate hospital care.

Doctors say chest pain should never be ignored. Understanding the type of pain and other symptoms and promptly consulting a doctor is the safest course of action.