12 Causes of Tightness in Chest

Tightness in the chest feels terrible. It’s an uncomfortable sensation that leaves the affected person with feelings of fear that something may be wrong with their cardiovascular system. As the sensation increases, it’s common for people to assume the worst and check themselves into the emergency room out of the fear that they’re experiencing a heart attack.

In some cases, tightness in the chest can be the signs of a serve health disorder that requires immediate medical attention. However, in many cases, the condition is brought about by non-life-threatening factors. It’s vital that you know your body and your risk for developing this condition.

Tightness in the chest can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are eight causes of tightness in the chest and what you can do to alleviate the symptoms of this disorder. If you think you may be experiencing any of these causes, visit your doctor for consultation and blood work analysis to determine the source of the condition.

1.    Angina

This condition describes a sharp, aching pain emanating from the heart that spreads through the upper chest and into the shoulders. The disorder typically occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked, forcing the heart to work harder to circulate blood around the body.

Angina is a severe cardiovascular disorder that requires immediate treatment by a medical professional. In some cases, angina occurs due to an increase in LDL cholesterol that leaves atherosclerosis scarring in the arteries. Individuals with plaque buildup on their arteries risk the onset of a heart attack and sudden death.

Visit your physician for analysis of your blood work. Your doctor will look at your cholesterol profile and recommend changes to your diet, as well as a course of medication to reduce the amount of circulating LDL in your bloodstream.

In severe cases, the doctor may arrange an angiogram, where they flood your blood with a chemical dye and watch it circulate through your body on an X-Ray machine to determine the flow rate and function of your heart.