If you’ve ever experienced a tight feeling in your chest, you’re not alone. In fact, chest tightness is a common complaint felt by thousands of patients who visit urgent care and the emergency room each year.
From anxiety or acid reflux to a pulled muscle or a respiratory illness, chest tightness has many underlying causes.
For most, chest tightness is not something to be too concerned about. Still, for others, it could signal a more serious underlying condition or a medical emergency, such as a heart attack.
Understanding the causes of chest tightness can help you determine whether or not you should seek immediate care.
While it is a good rule of thumb to understand your symptoms and body better, it is always best to seek care if your chest tightness is worrisome.
Let’s discuss chest tightness in further detail.
What Is Chest Tightness?
Chest tightness is less of a health condition and more so a symptom of a specific health-related issue.
It is important to note that chest tightness can be directly related to both physical and emotionally driven factors.
Often described as a tight, heavy, or uncomfortable feeling in the chest, neck, or throat, people may complain of chest tightness alongside feeling short of breath or difficulty swallowing.
What Causes Chest Tightness?
Although many people who experience chest tightness often think of worst-case scenarios and assume they may be having a heart attack, chest tightness is caused by many health conditions, most of which aren’t something to worry about.
The most common causes of chest pain and tightness include
- Anxiety, especially if accompanied by panic, fast breathing, and a rapid heart rate.
- Acid reflux ismost common immediately following food consumption or while lying down.
- Angina is a condition that occurs when not enough blood is sent to the heart caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. The tightness can spread from the chest to the neck, back, arms, and throat and typically lasts only a few minutes due to anxiety, panic, or stress.
- A pulled muscle in the chest caused by overexertion, improper exercise technique, severe coughing, or heavy lifting can cause the chest to feel tight and strained. The pain can become worse with movement or when taking deep breaths. Pain can last several weeks until the muscle is fully healed.
- Asthma and other respiratory conditions can cause chest pain and tightness, especially when your airways become inflamed due to exposure to specific triggers.
Other less common causes of chest tightness include
- Pneumonia
- Heart attack
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pleurisy
- Peptic ulcers
It is important to note that to receive proper treatment, the underlying cause of your chest tightness should be identified by a medical professional, as treatment types vary widely.
If you live with chronic chest tightness, you should seek urgent care or further evaluation by your primary care physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you are experiencing severe chest tightness and pain, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Rapid Treatment for Chest Tightness in Oxford
If you are experiencing chest tightness, we are here to help.
At Oxford Urgent Care, no appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Our experienced team is available seven days a week to provide heart and chest-related screenings, including an EKG, which can examine your chest and provide a fast, painless diagnosis.
Don’t delay care. Get seen today.