Heart disease is the number one killer in America these days. One of the signs you might have a problem is chest pain.

The term chest pain is a very vague one. It can be a simple heartburn or it could be a sign of much more complex problems. This article will give you some of the most common reasons for chest pain. However, it is recommended that people experiencing it have themselves examined by a doctor as the pain can be a symptom of serious heart disease, which can kill you.

Common Reasons

Angina - This is when a patient feels a squeezing pain around their chest area. The pain will vary depending on the patient and most patients will only describe it as a discomfort. Angina occurs when the cardiac muscle does not receive enough oxygen. The pain can, however, be differentiated from other forms of chest pain as Angina will often result in pain in the jaw and neck regions of a patient. If you experience this sort of pain, you should immediately seek medical attention as it will mean that you have a heart condition that you need to take care of.

Heartburn - Most people who suffer symptoms of heart disease brush it off as heartburn. Heartburn is definitely a common problem for many people but one would be wise to get themselves checked out by a doctor to make sure that heartburn is indeed the cause of their chest pain. The pain is caused just below the breast bone and it occurs after acid from the stomach rises in the esophagus, causing discomfort and pain. This form of chest pain will usually occur after consumption of meals.

Chest wall pain - This is a harmless chest wall pain that happens to almost every one of us at some point in our lives. A quick sensation of pain will be experienced in the chest and it will often go away in a few seconds. It will never last more than a minute.

Panic attacks or anxiety attacks - People suffering from anxiety attacks or panic attacks might experience sharp pain in the chest along with their episodes of panic. The pain will result from muscle contractions. Sometimes, the muscles will remain contracted for a few days or even a few weeks after the person has suffered a panic attack.

As you can see from the article above, it can be pretty confusing for one to analyze the type of their chest pain as they all seem to be similar in one way or another. This is why it is recommended that one seek professional advice every time they feel discomfort or pain in their chest.

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