Introduction:
Chest pain is one of the most alarming symptoms a person can experience. Even mild chest discomfort can create fear because it is often associated with heart problems. However, not all chest pain is related to the heart. Chest pain can arise from the lungs, muscles, ribs, digestive system, or even anxiety. Understanding why chest pain happens is crucial so that timely and correct medical care can be taken.
At Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad, patients with chest pain receive prompt evaluation by experienced specialists. Dr. Sandeep Malhotra, a senior consultant in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine, plays a key role in identifying lung-related and respiratory causes of chest pain, ensuring accurate diagnosis and safe treatment.
This article explains the common and dangerous causes of chest pain, how to identify warning signs, and when to seek immediate medical help.
What Is Chest Pain?
Chest pain refers to any pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort felt in the chest area. It may be:
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Sharp or dull
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Burning or squeezing
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Constant or intermittent
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Mild or severe
Doctors at Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad emphasize that chest pain should never be ignored, especially if it is new, severe, or associated with breathing difficulty.
Common Causes of Chest Pain (Usually Less Dangerous)
1. Muscle Strain or Chest Wall Pain
Chest muscles and ribs can become strained due to:
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Heavy lifting
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Sudden movements
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Gym workouts
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Prolonged coughing
This pain usually worsens with movement or touch and is not related to the heart.
At Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad, doctors carefully differentiate muscle pain from internal organ causes to avoid unnecessary panic.
2. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux is a very common cause of chest pain and often mimics heart pain.
Symptoms include:
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Burning sensation in chest
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Pain after meals
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Sour taste in mouth
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Pain worse when lying down
This type of chest pain is digestive in origin and can be treated effectively once diagnosed.
3. Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Stress, anxiety, and panic attacks can cause chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
Common features:
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Chest pressure
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Palpitations
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Sweating
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Feeling of fear
Doctors at Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad rule out serious causes first and then guide patients toward appropriate mental and physical care.
4. Costochondritis
This is inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone.
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Pain increases on pressing the chest
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Pain worsens with deep breathing
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Often seen after viral infections or coughing
Though painful, it is usually not dangerous.
Lung-Related Causes of Chest Pain
Chest pain frequently originates from the lungs and respiratory system. This is where a pulmonologist’s role becomes very important.
5. Lung Infections (Pneumonia)
Pneumonia can cause chest pain, especially during deep breathing or coughing.
Symptoms include:
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Fever
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Cough
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Breathlessness
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Sharp chest pain
At Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad, Dr. Sandeep Malhotra evaluates such cases carefully using chest imaging and lung function assessment.
6. Pleurisy (Inflammation of Lung Lining)
Pleurisy causes sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing. This condition requires prompt medical attention and proper treatment under specialist care.
7. Pulmonary Embolism (Dangerous Cause)
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs.
Warning signs:
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Sudden chest pain
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Severe breathlessness
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Rapid heart rate
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Coughing blood
This is a medical emergency. Immediate care at a well-equipped facility like Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad can be life-saving. Critical care specialists such as Dr. Sandeep Malhotra play a vital role in managing such emergencies.
Heart-Related Causes of Chest Pain (Always Serious)
8. Angina
Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
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Pressure or squeezing pain
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Pain may spread to arm, jaw, or back
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Often triggered by exertion
Though temporary, angina is a warning sign of heart disease and must be evaluated immediately.
9. Heart Attack (Most Dangerous Cause)
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked.
Symptoms may include:
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Severe chest pain or pressure
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Pain spreading to left arm or jaw
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Shortness of breath
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Sweating and nausea
Any suspected heart attack requires immediate emergency care. Early diagnosis at Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad can save lives.
Other Serious Causes of Chest Pain
10. Aortic Dissection
A tear in the large blood vessel (aorta) causes sudden, severe chest pain radiating to the back. This is rare but life-threatening.
11. Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)
Sudden chest pain and breathlessness can occur when air leaks into the space around the lungs. Immediate medical attention is required.
When Should Chest Pain Be Treated as an Emergency?
Seek immediate medical help if chest pain is accompanied by:
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Breathlessness
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Sweating
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Dizziness or fainting
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Pain spreading to arm, jaw, or back
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Blue lips or fingers
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Sudden onset of severe pain
Doctors at Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad are trained to quickly assess such symptoms and start emergency treatment without delay.
How Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad Helps
Patients with chest pain benefit from:
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Multispeciality evaluation under one roof
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Advanced diagnostic facilities
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Emergency and ICU support
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Pulmonary and critical care expertise
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Personalized treatment plans
Dr. Sandeep Malhotra, with his experience in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine, plays an important role in diagnosing lung-related chest pain and managing serious respiratory emergencies.
Conclusion
Chest pain can occur for many reasons some harmless, others life-threatening. While muscle strain or acid reflux may cause mild discomfort, conditions involving the heart or lungs can be dangerous if ignored. Understanding the possible causes and seeking timely medical evaluation is the key to safety.
If you or your loved one experiences chest pain, do not delay. Visit Santosh Multispecialist Hospital, Faridabad, where expert doctors and advanced facilities ensure accurate diagnosis and prompt care. With specialists like Dr. Sandeep Malhotra, patients receive reliable, compassionate, and life-saving treatment when it matters most.
