Chest Pain: Common Non-Serious Causes

Key Information:

Reassurance: It can be worrying to experience chest pain, even after a clinician has confirmed your heart is healthy. This video explains the most common non-serious causes to help you understand what might be happening.

Important Disclaimer: This information is not for self-diagnosis. If you have new chest pain that hasn’t been assessed by a clinician, you must get it checked out first.

Common Causes (Once Heart Issues are Ruled Out)

Musculoskeletal Pain (The “Chest Sprain”).

Source: Pain coming from muscles, ribs, or cartilage in the chest wall.

How it feels: Often a sharp pain in a specific spot that feels tender if you press on it.

Triggers: It may feel worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or twist your body.

Indigestion or Acid Reflux (Heartburn).

Source: Stomach acid travelling up into the food pipe.

How it feels: A burning sensation right behind your breastbone. You might also have an unpleasant, sour taste in your mouth.

Triggers: Often worse after a big meal or when you lie down.

Anxiety.

Source: Strong emotions, especially during panic attacks, cause real physical symptoms.

How it feels: Can be a sharp stabbing pain or a dull ache. Often accompanied by a racing heart, dizziness, or a sense of dread.

Reassurance: While it feels frightening, the pain itself is not dangerous.

Chest Pain: Common Non-Serious Causes