Chest Pain: Causes, Warning Signs, and When to Act

When you feel chest pain, a sensation of pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest area that can signal anything from muscle strain to a life-threatening heart event. Also known as thoracic pain, it’s one of the most common reasons people rush to the ER—but most cases aren’t heart-related. The problem? You can’t always tell the difference on your own. That’s why knowing the clues matters more than ever.

Heart attack, a blockage in the coronary arteries that cuts off blood flow to the heart muscle usually feels like heavy pressure, not sharp stabbing. It often spreads to the left arm, jaw, or back, and comes with sweating, nausea, or sudden shortness of breath. Angina, chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often triggered by exertion or stress is similar but goes away with rest. If your pain only shows up when you climb stairs or carry groceries, and fades after sitting down, it could be angina—not a heart attack, but still a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore.

Not all chest pain comes from your heart. Acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation behind the breastbone mimics heart pain perfectly. It happens after meals, gets worse lying down, and often comes with a sour taste. Muscle strains from lifting or coughing can also cause sharp, localized pain that gets worse with movement. Even anxiety can trigger chest tightness that feels terrifyingly real.

The key isn’t guessing. It’s recognizing patterns. If the pain is new, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with dizziness, vomiting, or trouble breathing—call emergency services. Don’t wait to see if it goes away. If you’re over 40, have high blood pressure, smoke, or have a family history of heart disease, you’re at higher risk, even if you feel fine otherwise.

Below, you’ll find clear, practical guides on how chest pain connects to medications like statins, diuretics, and NSAIDs—what to watch for, what to avoid, and how to spot the difference between harmless discomfort and something that needs immediate attention. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re real-world checks you can use right now to protect your health.