{"id":3020,"date":"2019-01-18T05:35:21","date_gmt":"2019-01-18T05:35:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3020"},"modified":"2020-04-07T08:43:49","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T08:43:49","slug":"12-causes-of-tightness-in-chest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/12-causes-of-tightness-in-chest\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Causes of Tightness in Chest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tightness in the chest feels terrible. It\u2019s 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\u2019s common for people to assume the worst and check themselves into the emergency room out of the fear that they\u2019re experiencing a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s vital that you know your body and your risk for developing this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.    Angina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit your physician for an 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2.    Indigestion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you go to bed after eating a heavy meal and find that you have symptoms of tightness in the chest? If so, it could be a result of indigestion from overeating. Heartburn and indigestion can occur due to numerous factors, from overeating to gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, (IBS.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, gas may build in the GI tract and place extra pressure on the heart, leading to symptoms of a tight chest. This uncomfortable sensation increases if you bend over while sitting, and you may notice relief when you stand up straight. In some cases, drinking an antacid formula may relieve the symptoms, but in most cases, you have to wait for symptoms to subside on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience tightness in the chest frequently after eating meals, and you\u2019re not overeating, then you may have a gastrointestinal disorder of which you not aware of. Consult with your doctor and tell them about your symptoms.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3.    Pleurisy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The pleura is a membrane lining the inner chest cavity that surrounds the lungs. Patients with pleurisy develop an inflammation of this lining which leads to the sensation of tightness in the chest, amplified by sharp pains across the ribcage. People suffering from pleurisy often complain of shortness of breath as the lungs have less capacity to inflate with incoming air while breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A variety of conditions cause pleurisy to develop, and patients may notice the first signs occur due to a persistent cough as the lungs battle to cope with the inflammation of the membrane. The pain from pleurisy also may affect the shoulders and the upper back as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some severe cases of pleurisy, fluid may buildup in the layers between the tissue, resulting in a condition known as pleural effusion. When this situation occurs, the pain reduces or dissipates entirely, due to the two layers of pleura no longer being in contact with each other.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4.    Heart Attack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tightness in the chest is one of the first symptoms of a heart attack. This condition can occur due to a variety of factors, such as an unhealthy diet, overconsumption of alcohol, illicit drug use, and cigarette smoking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart attacks rarely occur in people younger than 50-years of age, but the accelerated decline of health through poor lifestyle choices may bring on the early onset of a heart attack. If you\u2019re concerned about the health of your cardiovascular system, visit a cardiologist for a checkup. This consultation is crucial for people over the age of 40-years, as they are the highest risk profile for developing the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will test your VO2 Max, which is the rate at which oxygen draws into the lungs, and the efficiency of the cardiovascular system at moving the oxygen through your bloodstream. Treatment for a heart attack requires an immediate visit to the emergency room, where doctors may have to perform bypass surgery to save the individual’s life.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5.    Costochondritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This condition describes the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. Pain from Costochondritis may mimic the symptoms of a heart attack and cause tightness or pain in the chest. Occasionally, swelling in the chest also accompanies pain symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain the exact cause of this condition, and symptoms will typically subside by itself, anywhere between a few days to several weeks. Treatment focuses on relieving pain symptoms, and your doctor may prescribe painkillers, as well as anti-inflammatories to reduce the swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms commonly experienced by people dealing with costochondritis include a sharp, aching, or pressure pain on the left side of the sternum that affects one or more of the ribs. The pain may intensify during breathing, as the lungs inflate and place pressure on the sternum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This condition typically occurs after receiving trauma to the sternum, such as a blow to the chest or a seatbelt constricting over the sternum during a car accident.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6.    Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We all experience stress in our lives, some more than others. Stress can hurt the body, creating tightness in the chest. Our body produces stress hormones called \u201ccortisol,\u201d in the adrenal glands found on top of our kidneys. When we experience a stressful situation, the glands produce excess amounts of cortisol to induce the \u201cfight-or-flight\u201d response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This stress response helped our ancestors when they were running from lions in the wilderness, but it has a different effect on our modern society. Stress dissipates from our body when we sleep, as our stress levels come down, our vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some individuals develop an autoimmune disorder called \u201cadrenal fatigue,\u201d where the adrenal glands continually produce the hormone, leading to a supremely stressed out individual. Symptoms of high stress include a feeling of tightness in the chest as heart rate and blood pressure increase.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7.    Pneumonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs caused by infection from the bacteria, \u201cStreptococcus pneumonia.\u201d The condition typically develops after a bout of the flu or chronic bronchitis, when the lungs are susceptible to bacterial infection. During a bout of pneumonia, the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes become infected with fluid, causing symptoms of troubled breathing in affected individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This fluid is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and if left untreated, pneumonia may spread into both lungs presenting a life-threatening situation where the infected individual risks drowning in their bodily fluids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the lungs inflame with mucus, patients develop a persistent cough that sometimes wakes them up during the night. The constant coughing also causes tightness in the chest, and some individuals may confuse this symptom with a cardiovascular event. If you come down with pneumonia, it\u2019s vital that you receive treatment right away to prevent the spread of the disease into both lungs.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8.    Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people confuse anxiety with stress. However, they are two entirely different disorders. Anxiety occurs when a buildup of stressors begins to change the mental state of an individual. As a result, they experience elevated blood pressure and a high heart rate that feels like a thudding in their chest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the chest tightens up, many affected individuals experience symptoms of uneasiness and shortness of breath, and anxious symptoms begin to escalate as a result. Anxiety is a mental illness that affects over 40-million Americans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for the condition includes the use of beta-blockers or natural herb therapies, with severe cases requiring drug therapy to calm the person down. The symptoms of a tight chest begin to subside as the person relaxes and the symptoms of anxiety start to dissipate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, individuals may require psychotherapy to uncover the source of their anxiety, as well as treatment with prescription drugs, such as benzodiazepines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. COPD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease affects the alveoli, the tiny air sacs at the end of your bronchial tubes. The alveoli regulate the exchange of the gases oxygen and carbon dioxide in our lungs. Patients with COPD are often smokers, over the age of 50-years, and in the advanced stages of lung disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with COPD notice that they have shortness of breath conducting activities with minimal stress. They experience fatigue as the body does not absorb enough oxygen to complete normal metabolic functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who are suffering from the effects of COPD experience a change in the size of the lungs. The tissues expand and place pressure on surrounding organs as they fill up the cavity in the chest. This expansion of the lungs may cause tightness in the chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COPD is a chronic condition with no cure. However, individuals can receive treatment to slow the spread of the disease and reduce symptoms.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Valve Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our heart has four valves that control the flow of blood. As we age, we run the risk of developing issues with these valves. Symptoms of valve disease depend on what type of infection you have, and what area of the heart it affects. In most cases, affected individuals notice a tightness in the chest, followed by a feeling of dull pain in the center of the chest around the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms include fatigue and shortness of breath, as well as a heart murmur. If you notice any signs of valve disease, arrange a consultation with your doctor for a diagnosis. Your physician uses a stethoscope to listen to your heart and detect any unusual rhythms or murmurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valve disease becomes life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated. In most cases, doctors treat the condition with medication, but some individuals may require a valve replacement to stop the spread of the disease to other valves.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Cardiomyopathy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cardiomyopathy refers to several different cardiovascular diseases and their effects on the body. Patients with cardiomyopathy typically experience thickening or thinning of the lining surrounding the heart muscle. Both of these conditions result in a drop in heart efficiency. With a thinning of the wall, the heart loses its strength to pump blood. However, with a thickening of the walls, the heart struggles to maintain circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardiomyopathy occurs due to complications with another disease or disorder, as well as for hereditary reasons. You may notice symptoms of the condition after exercise or eating. The signs of cardiomyopathy include tightness in the chest and pain emanating from the heart to the shoulders, similar to angina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other common symptoms include shortness of breath after exercising, swollen legs, ankles, and feet, as well as irregular heart rhythm and heart palpitations. If you notice any of these symptoms while working out, immediately stop your exercise and request medical assistance.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. An Aortic Aneurysm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for maintaining circulation. When the tissue lining the artery walls becomes inflamed or disease, it may lead to swelling and the development of an aneurysm. Large aneurysms affect the endothelial lining of the artery wall, responsible for nitric oxide production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A drop in nitric oxide production reduces oxygen levels in the blood and provides further complications to an aneurysm. Symptoms of an aortic aneurysm include tightness in the chest, as well as sensitivity to touch, and pain emanating from the heart. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor and arrange an appointment for diagnosis immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, an aortic aneurysm can have life-threatening consequences when it ruptures. Doctors will struggle to stop the internal bleeding, and there\u2019s a high probability that patients may not survive a rupture. Not all aortic aneurysms rupture \u2013 it depends on the size and growth rate of an aneurysm.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>