Atypical chest pain is difficult to define and can vary from doctor to doctor. It can be caused by a range of factors, from minor musculoskeletal problems to serious medical conditions such as heart attacks or chest tumors. Women are more likely to experience irregular types of chest pain than men.
The definition of atypical chest pain is usually abstract and can vary from doctor to doctor. Some believe it is atypical if it is not related to angina or chest pain caused by lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Others state that atypical pain is any chest pain above the breastbone, or chest bone, or pain radiating from the left or right side of the breastbone. While many cases of atypical pain are related to simple things like overexertion or spasms caused by acid reflux, some pain can be the result of a heart attack or other serious condition.
Atypical chest pain is usually a sharp, short-lived pain that occurs above or to the left or right of the breastbone. Sometimes the pain may be more persistent or it may radiate from a location other than the chest. In some cases, pain in the arms or shoulders, abdomen, back, or throat may develop. More persistent pain can be indicative of a serious medical condition. For example, persistent pain in the upper back, neck, or jaw may be caused by what’s called an atypical heart attack.
Those who have a lower pain threshold may find that atypical chest pain is more noticeable than those who tolerate discomfort well. Also, women are more likely to experience irregular types of chest pain than men. Given the many variables, it is not surprising to find that this condition is often misdiagnosed by doctors or ignored by patients. In many cases, this will not result in complications, as most atypical pains are not actually due to heart or lung conditions, but are usually due to minor musculoskeletal problems.
There are many potential causes of atypical chest pain, ranging from mild to severe. Overexertion from exercise or heavy work is a common cause of this type of pain, as are headaches and ingestion of acidic substances. Psychiatric problems, such as major depression or frequent panic attacks, and some gastrointestinal conditions can also cause chest discomfort.
Some of the more serious causes of this condition are related to the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. For example, many who experience this type of pain are encouraged to have certain physical exams to rule out pulmonary embolisms or an aortic aneurysm. Heart attacks, pneumonia, and chest tumors can also cause chest pain.
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