Atypical Chest Pain
Atypical Chest Pain: Understanding, Causes, and Treatment
What is Atypical Chest Pain?
Atypical chest pain refers to chest discomfort that does not fit the classic profile of typical chest pain. Classic chest pain usually presents as pressure or heaviness beneath the breastbone, worsens with exertion, and subsides with rest or nitroglycerin.
Atypical chest pain does not fully match these characteristics and might include pain that:
- Is brief and diminishes rapidly
- Aggravates in specific positions
- Occurs as a sharp or stabbing sensation
Atypical chest pain is a common reason for visits to emergency departments and primary healthcare providers. Notably, for 66% of these individuals, the pain is not related to heart issues.
Typical vs. Atypical Chest Pain
| Typical Chest Pain | Atypical Chest Pain |
|---|---|
| Feels like squeezing, tightness, crushing, or pressure | Feels like a sharp or stabbing pain |
| Occurs with exertion and improves with rest | May worsen in specific positions |
| Accompanied by sweating, upset stomach, or shortness of breath | Not necessarily related to exercise or relieved by rest |
| May radiate to arms, neck, or jaw | Pain stays at one level |
| Lasts at least two minutes | Lasts seconds and quickly subsides |
Risk Factors for Atypical Chest Pain
Risk factors associated with atypical chest pain include:
- Being female or assigned female at birth (AFAB)
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- History of heart attack
Possible Causes
The causes of atypical chest pain vary widely and can include cardiac, pulmonary, esophageal, and anxiety-related conditions.
Potential causes include:
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Pericarditis
- Myocarditis
- Broken heart syndrome
- Costochondritis
- Aortic dissection
- Aortic aneurysm
- Aortic valve stenosis
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Chronic acid reflux
- Esophageal spasm
- Esophageal rupture
- Esophagitis
- Anxiety
- Broken rib
Care and Treatment
Treatment for atypical chest pain depends on the underlying cause. Options range from medications to surgical procedures. To diagnose the cause, healthcare providers may perform tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- CT coronary angiogram
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac catheterization
- Stress test
Self-Care Measures
At-home treatment for atypical chest pain is not recommended. Professional evaluation and diagnosis are crucial to determine the appropriate course of action. Some causes might require urgent treatment.
Potential Complications
Untreated atypical chest pain can lead to severe complications, especially for conditions involving the heart and lungs. Immediate medical attention is necessary to avoid life-threatening risks.
Prevention
While some causes of atypical chest pain are unavoidable, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent certain conditions. Preventative measures include:
- Abstaining from tobacco products
- Consuming heart-healthy foods
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Receiving recommended vaccinations
- Managing existing medical conditions
When to Seek Medical Attention
Always consult a healthcare provider when experiencing atypical chest pain. Proper diagnosis and care are essential, as some causes can be life-threatening. Immediate contact with a healthcare provider is crucial for prompt and effective treatment.