Learn more about ‘What Is That Stabbing Sharp Sensation That You Sometimes Feel In Your Chest?’ There are several causes of sudden, acute chest discomfort that disappears. Different types of chest discomfort exist. The presence of chest discomfort may not indicate a dangerous disease. Even so, it could not be connected to your heart.
In fact, a 2016 study found that only about 6% of patients who visit the emergency room due to chest pain are actually dealing with a life-threatening condition.
When To Go To The ER
A dull, crushing ache or discomfort in the middle of the chest is the typical symptom of a heart attack. Usually, the discomfort lasts for a while. It could potentially stop and come back later.
If you have severe, abrupt discomfort or any other type of chest pain, get emergency medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency services, or visit the emergency room right away.
Common Causes
Short-lived, acute chest discomfort that comes on suddenly. It may seem electrifying to some people or like a stabbing ache to others. It only lasts for a split second before disappearing.
Here are a few typical reasons for this kind of chest pain.
1. Heartburn/GERD
Indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease are other names for heartburn or acid reflux (GERD). When stomach acid spills up from your stomach, it occurs. A sharp ache or burning sensation in the chest may result from this.
Chest discomfort is frequently brought on by heartburn. In the US, almost 15 million people have heartburn symptoms daily. You might also:
- stomach discomfort
- a bubble or blockage sensation in the chest
- burning or pain at the back of the throat
- bitter taste at the back of the mouth or throat
- burping
2. Precordial Catch Syndrome
Precordial catch syndrome (PCS) is a mild illness that primarily affects kids and teenagers, while it can sometimes affect adults. It’s believed that a muscular spasm or a pinched nerve in the chest is what makes it worse. PCS features include discomfort that:
- is sharp and stabbing in the chest lasting 30 seconds to 3 minutes
- is made worse by breathing in
- goes away quickly and leaves no lasting symptoms
- typically occurs at rest or when changing posture
- may come on during periods of stress or anxiety
There is no need for therapy, and there are no adverse health repercussions.
3. Muscle Strain Or Bone Pain
Sudden, severe chest discomfort might be caused by bone or muscle issues. Workouts, carrying heavy objects, falls, and other accidents can hurt or bruise your ribs and the muscles between them. Additionally, a muscle in your chest wall might be strained.
An unexpected, severe discomfort in your chest may be caused by a chest muscle or bone injury. This is particularly typical if a bone or muscle pins a nerve. Damage to the bones and muscles of the chest wall may result from:
- fibromyalgia
- broken or bruised ribs
- ostochondritis, or inflammation in the rib cartilage
- costochondritis, or inflammation or an infection between the ribs and breast bone
4. Lung Problems
Sudden, severe chest discomfort might be brought on by lung and breathing issues. There are several significant lung conditions. If any of the following symptoms apply to you, consult a doctor right away:
- chest pain that worsens if you take a deep breath
- chest pain that worsens if you cough
The following lung diseases can result in chest pain:
- chest infection
- asthma attack
- pneumonia
- pleurisy, which is an inflammation in the lining of the lungs
- pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lungs
- collapsed lung
- pulmonary hypertension, which means high blood pressure in the lungs
5. Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Sudden, acute chest discomfort can be a symptom of severe anxiety and panic episodes. This mental illness may develop for no apparent cause. Some people may experience a panic attack following a tense or emotional situation.
Heart attack symptoms are very similar to other symptoms of a panic attack. These consist of:
- shortness of breath
- fast or “pounding” heartbeat
- dizziness
- sweating
- trembling
- hand and feet numbness
- fainting
6. Heart Issues
When they feel chest discomfort, most individuals immediately think of a heart attack. Typically, heart attacks result in a dull discomfort or an unpleasant tightness or pressure in the chest. They might also result in a heartburning ache.
Typically, the discomfort will last for several minutes or more. Additionally, generalized chest discomfort from a heart attack is common. It is therefore challenging to pin down. The pain in the chest may radiate out from the center or be felt throughout.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience any heart attack symptoms, such as:
- sweating
- nausea
- pain that spreads to the neck or jaw
- pain that spreads the shoulders, arms or back
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- shortness of breath
- fast or “pounding” heartbeat
- fatigue
Chest discomfort can also be caused by other cardiac diseases. They could be more likely than a heart attack to induce unexpected, severe chest discomfort. Any illness that impacts the heart has the potential to be devastating and requires medical care.
These are some other heart-related reasons of chest pain:
- Angina. When blood supply to the heart muscles is obstructed, this type of chest discomfort develops. Physical effort or mental stress might set it off.
- Pericarditis. The lining around the heart is infected or inflamed in this case. It could follow a cold or a throat infection. A dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain can be the result of pericarditis. A fever might also be present.
- Myocarditis. The heart muscle is inflamed in this situation. It may have an impact on the electrical system that regulates heartbeats as well as the heart’s muscles.
- Cardiomyopathy. This condition weakens the heart and may result in pain.
- Dissection. The aorta splitting causes this emergency condition. It causes excruciating back and chest pain.
Other Causes
The following viral diseases and digestive issues also produce abrupt, severe chest pain:
- shingles
- muscle spasm
- gallbladder inflammation or gallstones
- pancreas inflammation
- swallowing disorders
Heart Attack vs. Other Chest Pain
| Heart attack | Other causes | |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Dull, squeezing or crushing pressure | Sharp or burning pain |
| Pain location | Diffuse, spread out | Localized, can be pinpointed |
| Pain duration | Several minutes | Momentary, less than a few seconds |
| Exercise | Pain worsens | Pain improves |
The Bottom Line
The majority of times, a heart attack is not the root cause of sudden, severe chest discomfort. Other causes of chest discomfort, however, can be quite dangerous. Seek emergency medical assistance if you experience chest discomfort or any other heart problem symptoms.
A physician can identify the source of your chest discomfort. A blood test and a chest X-ray or scan may be required. Your heart health may be checked using an ECG that analyzes your heartbeat.
Chest pain is only experienced by a small percentage of people who are actually having a heart attack. But it is always preferable to have a doctor determine what is causing your sudden, severe chest pain.
