Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Chronic Chest Pain?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

Chronic chest pain refers to persistent pain in the chest area that returns even after therapeutic measures have been employed. Types of chronic chest pain include those that are cardiac in nature, including serious conditions such as angina and pericarditis. Other conditions that are not directly related to the heart, including asthma and anxiety, can also cause chronic chest pain.

Anginal pain that is related to cardiac insufficiency is typically a cause for chronic chest pain. Although often relieved with anti-anginal medications such as nitroglycerin, this type of pain often returns. The underlying cause of angina must be treated before the symptoms will subside in the long term.

Chronic chest pain may be caused by anxiety.
Chronic chest pain may be caused by anxiety.

Another cause of chronic chest pain is asthma. This respiratory condition is frequently diagnosed at a young age, and although there are many treatments that relieve pain and difficulty breathing, the extent of the disease often results in persistent chest or lung pain. Pleuritic pain refers to pain that is associated with irritation of the lining of the lungs. This is common with asthma and can cause substantial pain. It is important for the patient to maintain his therapeutic program in order to keep pain at bay.

Chronic chest pain may be a symptom of angina.
Chronic chest pain may be a symptom of angina.

Typically, chronic chest pain is a frequent manifestation of anxiety. During panic or anxiety attacks, large amounts of adrenaline are released, which can cause constriction or tightness to be felt in the chest. Although this frightening condition can mimic a heart attack, it is not considered serious. The chronic chest pain of anxiety attacks can be managed with either beta blocker medications or anti-anxiety medications. Anxiety can send people to emergency rooms, erroneously thinking a heart attack is in progress.

X-rays provide a means for physicians to physically see tumors, masses, inflammation and other factors that may be causing chest pain.
X-rays provide a means for physicians to physically see tumors, masses, inflammation and other factors that may be causing chest pain.

Sometimes, an infection can cause cardiac involvement which is referred to as pericarditis. This condition can produce an inflammation of the membrane or sac that surrounds the heart, along with fluid, which can cause significant chronic chest pain. Treatment for pericarditis includes administration of antibiotics to treat the underlying infection, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation. Typically, as the infection resolves, chest pain resolves as well, usually with no long lasting effects.

A panic attack may cause tightness to be felt in the chest.
A panic attack may cause tightness to be felt in the chest.

Although many incidences of chronic chest pain are not serious, more ominous causes must be ruled out before effective treatment can be employed. Generally, diagnosis can include x-rays, blood tests and a complete medical history. Additionally, referral to the proper health care provider must be made, for example if the pain is related to a heart condition, a cardiologist should be seen. In addition, if chest pain is thought to be related to anxiety issues, a psychologist or psychiatrist may be able to effectively treat the problem.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Chronic chest pain may be caused by anxiety.
      By: ruigsantos
      Chronic chest pain may be caused by anxiety.
    • Chronic chest pain may be a symptom of angina.
      By: nebari
      Chronic chest pain may be a symptom of angina.
    • X-rays provide a means for physicians to physically see tumors, masses, inflammation and other factors that may be causing chest pain.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      X-rays provide a means for physicians to physically see tumors, masses, inflammation and other factors that may be causing chest pain.
    • A panic attack may cause tightness to be felt in the chest.
      By: David Stuart
      A panic attack may cause tightness to be felt in the chest.
    • Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart, may cause chronic chest pain.
      By: kmiragaya
      Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart, may cause chronic chest pain.
    • Chest X-rays can often detect fluid or other material in the lungs that could contribute to pain or discomfort.
      By: Odua Images
      Chest X-rays can often detect fluid or other material in the lungs that could contribute to pain or discomfort.
    • Engaging in heavy lifting may cause chest pain.
      By: xixinxing
      Engaging in heavy lifting may cause chest pain.
    • Someone dealing with chronic chest pain may use a nebulizer to help them breathe.
      By: bnmk0819
      Someone dealing with chronic chest pain may use a nebulizer to help them breathe.
    • Women are more prone to experiencing irregular types of chest pain than men.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Women are more prone to experiencing irregular types of chest pain than men.
    • Asthma is a cause of chronic chest pain.
      By: vbaleha
      Asthma is a cause of chronic chest pain.