Chest Pain - Your chest pain & tightness might be an underlying symptom related to heart, lung, or gastrointestinal problems. Chest pain refers to pain felt anywhere in the chest area from the level of your shoulders to the bottom of your ribs. It is a common symptom. There are many causes of chest pain. This leaflet only deals with the most common. It can often be difficult to diagnose the exact cause of chest pain without carrying out some tests and investigations. Chest pain associated with heart attack: sharp, stabbing pain, or tightness or pressure A heart attack occurs when there is blockage in one or more of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. Chest pain is a potentially serious symptom of a cardiovascular problem, but many other causes aren't cause for concern. Discomfort in the chest can be related to heart, blood vessel, lung, digestive, musculoskeletal, and even psychiatric conditions. This article will review the various causes and features of chest pain. Not all chest pains are symptoms of a heart attack. Learn which symptoms could signal trouble and which are probably something else. The American Heart Association explains angina is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. Learn about angina and its various types. Chest pain can result from many conditions beyond heart problems, including muscle strain, gastrointestinal issues like heartburn or acid reflux, anxiety or panic attacks, and respiratory. Chest pain is an indicator of a possible heart attack, but it may also be a symptom of another condition or problem. The type and location of the pain can help doctors determine what is causing it. Chest pain is one of the most serious and time-sensitive symptoms seen in emergency and primary care settings. It ranges from benign musculoskeletal pain to life-threatening causes such as myocardial infarction (MI), aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax. Your uploaded chart organizes chest pain based on: First priority: EKG STEMI vs. non-STEMI Emergent causes Non-emergent. Overview Chest pain is pain or discomfort in the area between the neck and belly. Chest pain may be sharp or dull. It might come and go, or you might always feel the pain. The exact symptoms depend on the cause. Many different things can cause chest pain. The most life-threatening causes involve the heart or lungs. So it's important to get medical help for an accurate diagnosis.