Chest pain is a potentially serious symptom of a cardiovascular problem, but many other causes aren't cause for concern. Discomfort in the chest can be related to heart, blood vessel, lung, digestive, musculoskeletal, and even psychiatric conditions. This article will review the various causes and features of chest pain . Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the US, affecting both men and women significantly. The presentation of chest pain is largely similar in female and male patients, but additional non- chest pain symptoms can confound timely diagnosis in women . Costochondritis, often known as chest wall pain , can cause substantial chest pain , especially in women . It is defined by inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the sternum (breastbone), which causes sharp, agonizing, or pressure-like pain in the chest . Recognizing the exact pain regions linked with costochondritis and distinguishing it from other causes of chest pain is critical for successful management and treatment. This article discusses the distinguishing characteristics ... Use this chest pain location chart to understand what pain in different areas of the chest may mean, from muscle strain to heart or lung conditions.
