Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Chest Pain and Heart Pain?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Chest Pain and Heart Pain?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Chest pain and heart pain can be difficult to differentiate, but there are some key differences between the two:

  1. Characteristics: Heart pain is usually not sharp or stabbing, and it tends to be a dull, pressure-like, or burning sensation. Chest pain that is aching, sharp, or stabbing may be caused by other conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, pleurisy, or joint and muscle pain.
  2. Location: Heart pain may radiate to the left arm or neck, while heart attack pain can affect one or both arms, the neck, jaw, or upper or mid-back. Heartburn pain, on the other hand, is often felt in the upper belly or lower chest and may be accompanied by bloating and belching.
  3. Other symptoms: Heart attack pain often comes with other symptoms such as breaking out in a cold sweat, being short of breath, feeling sick or nauseous. Heartburn pain may occur with bloating and belching.
  4. Duration: Heart attack-related chest pain tends to come on suddenly and doesn't go away on its own, while heartburn pain may come and go.

It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, as it could be a sign of a heart attack or another serious condition. If you are unsure whether the pain is a heart attack or heartburn, it is always best to call for an ambulance, as prompt medical care can be lifesaving in the case of a heart attack.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Chest Pain and Heart Pain?
  • Comparative Table: Chest Pain vs Heart Pain

    • Comparative Table: Chest Pain vs Heart Pain

    Here is a table comparing the differences between chest pain and heart pain:

    Feature Chest Pain Heart Pain
    Definition Pain or discomfort in the chest area, which can be caused by various factors, including musculoskeletal, digestive, or respiratory issues Pain or discomfort in the chest area specifically related to the heart, often associated with heart attack or angina
    Location Can be localized or radiate to other areas, such as the back, neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or arms Often centered in the chest and may spread out to the left arm or jaw
    Characteristics Can be sharp, shooting, burning, or pressure-like May feel like a constant tightening or pressure sensation
    Other Symptoms May be accompanied by nausea, cough, or difficulty breathing, depending on the cause Often comes with other symptoms, such as sweating, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness
    Causes Can be caused by disorders of the ribs, rib cartilage, chest muscles, nerves in the chest, or other non-cardiac issues Caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to narrowed coronary arteries or blockages
    Diagnosis A doctor may perform tests to determine the cause of chest pain, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures A doctor will typically perform tests to determine the cause of heart pain, which may include electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, and imaging studies

    Keep in mind that chest pain can be a warning sign of a heart attack, so it's essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe chest pain.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.