Also called: chest discomfort; chest pressure; angina; pleural effusion pressure
Chest pain or discomfort can stem from several different systems in your body. Two common but completely different causes are angina (a heart-related issue) and pleural effusion (a lung-related fluid buildup).
It is important to know that this kind of chest discomfort is not a disease or medical condition itself. Instead, it is a symptom of a larger underlying health issue.
Angina (Heart-Related Discomfort)
Angina occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, usually due to narrowed arteries.
- What it feels like: A squeezing, crushing, heavy, or tight burning sensation in the center of the chest.
- Common triggers: Physical exertion, exercise, or high emotional stress.
- How it improves: It typically eases within a few minutes of resting or after taking prescribed heart medication.
Pleural Effusion Pressure (Lung-Related Discomfort)
This discomfort is caused by excess fluid building up in the pleural space (the narrow area surrounding your lungs).
- What it feels like: A sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the chest, accompanied by a constant sensation of heavy pressure or tightness.
- Common triggers: Taking deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, or changing your physical position.
- How it improves: It is relieved by taking shallow breaths or by having a medical provider drain the fluid through a procedure called thoracentesis.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Do not try to self-diagnose chest pain. Because chest discomfort can signal a life-threatening emergency like a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if your pain is new, sudden, severe, or paired with:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Pain radiating to your jaw, neck, back, or arm.
- Unexplained sweating or nausea.
