Non-cardiac chest pain
Pain in the chest can come in different types. For example, it may be specific to one point, a whole side, or more generalised within the chest cavity. It can also have a wide range of causes. In patients whose chest pain is severe enough for them to seek emergency medical attention, it’s possibly due to a cardiovascular disorder, such as angina or a heart attack.
Overview | Symptoms | Causes | Tests | Treatments
There are numerous other (non-cardiac) causes of chronic chest pain, including muscular problems, spinal disorders, a fractured rib and pain in the lungs from illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Anxiety, depression or panic attacks may trigger non-cardiac chest pain, too.
Symptoms
If your chest pain is accompanied by additional symptoms, like feeling sick (nausea) or bloated, and bringing up food or wind, then there’s an increased chance that the pain is associated with a digestive issue.
Chest pain symptoms can easily be mistaken for cardiac problems, and they can all be brought on by similar activities; for example, over-exertion or eating large meals. However, any sudden chest pain must be taken seriously, so doctors can diagnose its cause.
Causes
In digestive health, the oesophagus (also known as the gullet or food pipe) is a possible location of pain in the chest. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a common condition where acid and bile rise up the oesophagus from the stomach (acid reflux), causing inflammation and pain in the food pipe.
The discomfort with GORD will usually feel like burning, which is why it’s described as ‘heartburn’. It is diagnosed with a simple pH test to measure the level of acidity in the gullet. The oesophagus can also become perforated due to injury or disease.
Problems in neighbouring organs, including the stomach, gallbladder, pancreas and bowels, may also contribute to chronic chest pain. Disorders in these areas include stomach ulcers, gallstones, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Tests
Gastroscopy
Barium swallow
24 hour pH impedance
High resolution oesophageal manometry
Cardiology referral
Chest x-ray or CT scan
Treatments / Symptom Management
Treat the cause
Oesophageal muscle relaxants medications
Botox injections
Medications (neuromodulators such as amitriptyline tablets)
Book a private appointment
If you often experience non-cardiac chest pain, you should speak to a gastroenterologist to see if a digestive health condition may be causing your symptoms.
Get in touch to arrange an initial consultation with one of our dedicated specialists.