Feeling chest pain may cause alarm in many, as many people may worry it’s heart-related, but that is not always the case. While chest pain is often stress-inducing and leaves you wondering if you should go to the ER, sometimes that questionable pain may be gas or other digestive issues making themselves known. It is common for gastrointestinal issues to cause discomfort in the chest, and our team at Charleston GI can help you learn how to distinguish between them.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies show approximately 20% to 40% of those who experience chest pain don’t have heart disease. This pain is referred to as non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP).
If you begin to experience chest pain, consult your primary care doctor immediately. First, they’ll most likely refer you to a cardiologist to test for heart disease. If your doctor rules out any heart problems, digestive issues may be the next topic of discussion. At that point, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist, who can pinpoint issues such as gas, acid reflux, or other gastrointestinal conditions that may be contributing to your chest pain.
Remember, never diagnose yourself. Your healthcare professionals, including our doctors at Charleston GI, can help you discover the source of your chest pain so you can receive the proper treatment.
Creates pressure or sharp pain that may feel like chest pain
GI CONDITIONS RELATED TO CHEST PAINS
Here are common GI conditions that cause chest pain:
Acid-Related Conditions
GERD/Acid Reflux: Stomach acid rises into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, belching, and regurgitation. Triggers include smoking, late-night eating, fried foods, alcohol, or coffee.
Peptic Ulcers: Sores in the stomach or upper small intestine can cause chest pain and, in some cases, shortness of breath.
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining may cause chest discomfort, a rapid heartbeat, or nausea.
Gallbladder & Pancreas Issues
Gallbladder Disorders: Gallstones or inflammation can cause pain in the upper abdomen and chest, sometimes radiating to the back.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain that may spread to the chest.
Food-Related Causes
Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to symptoms such as gas, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Can feel sharp, dull, aching, pressure, or tightness
Often behind the breastbone
May spread to the neck, back, or arms
Can start after stress or a large meal
Lasts seconds to hours
Associated Symptoms
Bloating, burping, or indigestion (common if GI-related)
Stress, panic, or dread
Sometimes nausea or dizziness
Differences from Heart-Related Pain
Usually not relieved by nitroglycerin
Less likely to cause sweating or shortness of breath
Other Notes
Pain may get worse with exertion or stress, and improve with rest or medication
Seek medical care if pain lasts longer than a few minutes or is severe
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
While most people who experience chest pain don’t have heart disease, it is important to know the cause of your pain. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical care whenever you feel chest discomfort. Your primary care physician can help you determine whether your pain is cardiac or noncardiac, but either way, you should never ignore your chest pain.
Your health is too important to ignore, even if the pain is caused by gas or digestive issues. Paying attention to your body and getting timely care can make all the difference.
When it’s been confirmed you’re experiencing noncardiac chest pains, a gastroenterologist is the next step. With no referral required, Charleston GI’s team of board-certified gastroenterologist are available to assist you five days a week.
What is often the leading cause of non-cardiac chest pains?
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and acid reflux are typically the most common causes of non-cardiac chest pain.
Even though these are GI issues, the backflow of acid into the esophagus can lead to heartburn, a sharp pain between the breastbone that often results in chest pain. Other common GI-related causes include esophageal muscle problems, gastritis, pancreatitis, and peptic ulcers.
What is the difference between non-cardiac chest pain vs cardiac chest pain?
Cardiac chest pain is the result of a heart-related issue, like ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease.
Non-cardiac chest pain can be related to a variety of other issues, including GI problems, musculoskeletal issues, and psychological conditions. Cardiac chest pain often feels like a crushing or squeezing sensation that can radiate into the left arm or jaw, in some cases. Non-cardiac chest pain may feel like a burning sensation or sharp pain.
What is considered non-cardiac chest pain?
Non-cardiac chest pain is pain or discomfort in the chest area not related to the heart. Non-cardiac chest pain is often described as a sharp or burning pain, but it can sometimes mimic pain associated with heart problems, so take any chest pain you feel seriously. Common causes of non-cardiac chest pain can include:
Gastrointestinal causes
Musculoskeletal issues
Respiratory problems
Psychological factors
Never self-diagnose chest pain. Please consult your doctor to receive proper referrals, examinations, and treatment to determine the cause of your chest pain.
What causes chest pain besides a heart attack?
Heart attacks are often what pops into our minds when we think of chest pain, but many other causes of chest pain are considered non-cardiac. These causes can include anxiety, panic attacks, muscle strain, GERD, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia, and pneumonia, among others.
Never self-diagnose chest pain. Please consult your doctor to receive proper referrals, examinations, and treatment to determine the cause of your chest pain.
Can my chest pain be due to gas?
Yes, your chest pain could be caused by gas.
This type of non-cardiac chest pain is caused by trapped air or gas in the digestive system. This pain can be described as sharp, cramp-like, or stabbing, is often accompanied by bloating and excessive belching, and can typically be relieved by burping or passing gas. Acid reflux, indigestion, IBS, or other gastrointestinal disorders can contribute to gas-related chest pain.
Never self-diagnose chest pain. Please consult your doctor to receive proper referrals, examinations, and treatment to determine the cause of your chest pain.
Can non-cardiac chest pains be related to anxiety or panic attacks?
Yes, chest pain can be caused by anxiety or panic attacks.
It is common for these conditions to cause physical symptoms, which can include chest pain for some. Chest pain from anxiety or panic attacks can sometimes be mistaken for a heart problem. No matter the cause of your chest pain, it is vital to seek care from your doctor to rule out any potentially serious or life-threatening reasons for your chest pain.
Never self-diagnose chest pain. Please talk to your doctor to receive proper referrals, examination, and treatment to manage anxiety and panic attacks.
For More Helpful Information on Non-Cardiac Chest Pains
SCHEDULE YOUR GI APPOINTMENT TODAY, NO REFERRAL NEEDED
To learn more about gastrointestinal causes of chest pain, contact your trusted gastroenterologists in Charleston, SC, at Charleston GI. Our team is committed to providing a higher standard of caring, and we provide a range of medical treatments to help you feel your best.
If you are experiencing painful, ongoing, or new GI symptoms, schedule your appointment today – no referral needed.
