Common Non-Heart-Related Causes of Chest Discomfort

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) refers to chest discomfort not caused by heart conditions. Around 30% of people report experiencing chest pain that extends to the neck, arms, or jaw, yet these symptoms often aren’t linked to heart attacks or myocardial infarction.

Several factors can lead to chest discomfort unrelated to cardiac problems:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Also known as acid reflux, GERD is among the leading causes of non-cardiac chest pain. It occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation.

Diagnosis of GERD can be done through a barium swallow test, which visualizes the esophagus. Lifestyle adjustments such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding large meals, and waiting at least two hours after eating before lying down can help manage symptoms. Limiting alcohol, peppermint, caffeine, chocolates, and citrus juices can prevent reflux episodes.

Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) involves a blood clot blocking the arteries in the lungs. If untreated, PE can be life-threatening. This condition often results from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a clot travels from a vein in the leg to the lungs.

Detection typically involves pulmonary angiography. To prevent recurrence, blood-thinning medications are prescribed.

Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is caused by air trapping in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Trauma is a common cause, and smoking notably increases the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax. It may result in severe complications, including cardiac arrest.

Treatment involves introducing talc or antibiotics like tetracycline into the chest cavity, which causes scarring and reduces recurrence risk.

Pneumonia
Lung infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi can produce chest pain. Diagnosed via chest X-ray, pneumonia can be classified as community-acquired or hospital-acquired NCCP. Severity dictates hospitalization needs.