What is chest pain?

Chest pain is the pain or discomfort in the chest, usually in the front. It may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain.

Symptoms

pain in the shoulder arm, upper abdomen, or jaw, along with nausea, sweating, or shortness of breath

Causes

• Serious:
  • Acute coronary syndrome (including heart attacks)
  • pulmonary embolism
  • pneumothorax
  • pericarditis
  • aortic dissection
  • esophageal rupture
• Common:
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • psychological problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, stress, etc.
  • muscle or skeletal pain
  • pneumonia
  • shingles