Chest discomfort devoid of angina symptoms: Exploring sensations, origins, and further details
Nonanginal chest pain, a common complaint that affects many people, is often misunderstood as a heart-related issue. However, research suggests that nonanginal chest pain can stem from various sources, including musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and psychological factors.
One of the most common musculoskeletal causes is repetitive strain, heavy lifting, or excessive coughing, which can strain or inflame chest wall muscles or ribs, resulting in chest pain that resembles cardiac pain. Gastrointestinal conditions, such as acid reflux (GERD), esophageal spasms, esophagitis, and other esophageal motility disorders, can also cause chest discomfort that mimics angina but is unrelated to coronary artery disease.
Pulmonary issues, including respiratory conditions, can also cause nonanginal chest pain. For instance, pleuritis, a condition characterised by inflammation of the lining of the lungs, can lead to chest pain. In severe cases, a pulmonary embolism, a blockage in one or more of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, can also present as nonanginal chest pain.
Anxiety or panic attacks, and certain neurological conditions, such as nerve compression, may also lead to chest pain. Healthcare professionals may refer to such cases as intercostal neuralgia, a condition that affects the intercostal nerves and can cause sharp, burning, radiating, or stabbing pain along its distribution in the chest, abdomen, or ribs.
Interestingly, some individuals with nonanginal chest pain also have existing psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom disorder. This highlights the importance of considering psychological factors when diagnosing and treating nonanginal chest pain.
It's worth noting that nonanginal chest pain is distinct from angina because it does not result from myocardial ischemia and may be triggered by movements or activities rather than exertion or stress on the heart. Clinical prediction models recognise this, highlighting the need for accurate diagnostic differentiation using tools like cardiac CT when suspicion remains.
Nonanginal chest pain can last a few seconds to many hours and may feel like pressure or squeezing pain behind the breastbone that may extend to the neck, back, or left arm. In the United States, chest pain accounts for more than emergency room visits annually.
Doctors may use various diagnostic tools to rule out other conditions if a person does not respond to GERD treatment or has difficulty swallowing, pain while swallowing, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or recurrent vomiting. In such cases, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be recommended.
In conclusion, nonanginal chest pain, also known as noncardiac chest pain, is a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions beyond heart-related issues. By understanding the various causes and potential underlying conditions, healthcare professionals can provide more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for those experiencing nonanginal chest pain.
- Science has shed light on nonanginal chest pain, a condition frequently misunderstood as a heart attack, which can originate from numerous sources, such as musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and psychological factors.
- Workplace-wellness initiatives and health-and-wellness programs can help employees recognize and manage potential causes of nonanginal chest pain, such as musculoskeletal strains from prolonged computer use or poor posture.
- Therapies and treatments, like mental health counseling, stress management techniques, or respiratory treatments for conditions like asthma, might be recommended for individuals suffering from nonanginal chest pain with underlying psychological or respiratory factors.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help manage health-related conditions, potentially reducing the risk of nonanginal chest pain.
- CBD, a compound known for its potential therapeutic benefits on anxiety and pain management, may be explored as a potential treatment option for managing nonanginal chest pain related to anxiety or nerve compression.
- Skin care is another aspect of wellness that healthcare professionals should consider, as certain skin conditions like rosacea or psoriasis might cause chest discomfort or mimic nonanginal chest pain symptoms.
- The medical community is continually developing treatments for neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, which may alleviate nonanginal chest pain in individuals with underlying neurological conditions.
