Pain in the region of the heart

introduction

The heart is a hollow muscle organ that lies in the chest. It is encased in the pericardium, a thin layer of tissue that contains sensitive fibers. When there is pain in the chest, there is often the fear that a heart attack could be behind it. However, there are numerous possible causes of pain in the heart area.

Read more on the topic: Signs of a heart attack

Causes of pain in the heart region

Muscle tension or diaphragmatic tension are common causes that lead to chest pain. Spinal column or joint problems can also cause pain in the heart area. In addition, it is possible that pain radiates from other organs into the chest and causes pain, for example diseases of the esophagus or stomach complaints with an inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

Another cause of pain in the heart area is acute pericardial inflammation (pericarditis). In addition, a pericardial effusion can develop.

Read more on the topic: Pericarditis

Lung diseases, such as pneumonia, can often be causes of pain in the heart area.

Read more on the topic: Symptoms of pneumonia

If the cause lies in the heart itself, coronary artery disease with angina pectoris or a heart attack can be responsible for the pain. The different layers of the heart can be inflamed, with endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart) or myocarditis causing pain in the chest in addition to the inflammation of the pericardium.

Cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure (heart failure) or heart valve defects are rarely the cause. Circulatory diseases such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or aneurysm of the aorta can also cause heart pain.

In some cases psychological causes such as anxiety neuroses, heart phobias or depression can be behind the symptoms.

Read more on the subject at: Heart pain

Pain in the heart area from tension

Tension in the muscles of the chest is a possible cause of pain in the heart area. Often such muscle-related heart problems feel as if they came straight from the heart and frighten those affected accordingly.

Read more on the topic: Chest pain from tension

So-called functional heart complaints can manifest themselves in different ways, in the form of palpitations, heart pain or the feeling of pressure on the heart. Even arrhythmias can occur.

Read more on the topic: Heart pounding - how dangerous is it?

Pain in the heart region with back pain

Back pain in the upper back or neck is often relieved by poor posture when working. This leads to muscle tension and hardening. The pain can radiate into the chest and lead to a relieving posture. This can lead to a feeling of pain in the heart area, although the actual cause is muscle tension in the upper back.

Read more on the topic: Tension in the neck

Pain in the heart region with a cold

Acute pericardial inflammation often occurs as a result of a cold. Pathogens such as viruses or bacteria are often responsible for this. As a result of a cold, these can affect the pericardium and cause pericarditis.

Pain in the region of the heart with painful breathing and coughing

Pain in the area around the heart that occurs or gets worse when you breathe or cough, suggest inflammation of the pericardium. Especially deep breathing, deep coughing and hasty movements increase the pain in the heart area.

Read more on the topic: Chest pain