Lindsay Curtis is a health writer with over 20 years of experience in writing health, science & wellness-focused articles.
Cristian Zanartu, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine. He works at a cancer center in New York, focusing on pain and palliative medicine, and has a primary care practice with an emphasis on LGBT care.
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the emergency room (ER), resulting in over 8 million ER visits each year. Many people worry they’re experiencing a heart attack when they feel chest pain, but it can be caused by a number of common conditions that are not life-threatening.
Muscle strain or injury, gastrointestinal or pulmonary (lung) conditions, and psychological reasons (e.g., anxiety) can all cause chest pain.
Chest pain varies in its intensity, location, and duration. Depending on the cause of your chest pain, it may feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. Learn more about the causes of chest pain and various home remedies to consider for relief.
Angina is a medical term used to describe chest pain or discomfort when the flow of oxygen and blood to the heart is disrupted. Angina is caused by arteries that supply blood to the heart becoming narrowed due to a build-up of fatty substances.
Angina pain is often triggered by stress or physical exertion and typically stops with rest. It may feel like squeezing, pressure, tightness, or an ache in your chest. The discomfort from angina may spread into your neck, jaw, shoulders, upper abdomen, arms, or back. Angina can also feel like indigestion (heartburn).
There are three types of angina:
If you are experiencing minor angina, it is important to speak with your healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms and get a diagnosis and treatment.
When you’re experiencing chest pain, it can be an unsettling feeling. Your first thought may be that you are experiencing a heart attack. While chest pain is a hallmark symptom of a heart attack, there are many things that can cause chest pain, many of which are not serious.
Chest pain causes related to the heart include:
Chest pain causes related to your digestive system include:
Chest pain causes related to breathing and your respiratory system include:
Chest pain causes that are psychological include:
Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or other cardiac event. Call 911 if you have chest pain that feels crushing, tight, or like squeezing along with any of the following symptoms:
There are a number of home remedies you can try at home to alleviate minor chest pain. These remedies should only be used if you are certain your chest pain is not caused by something serious, such as angina (heart pain). Home remedies that help alleviate minor chest pain caused by digestive issues or muscle strain include:
Many people believe that baking soda—sodium bicarbonate—provides relief for heartburn. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 4 ounces of warm or cold water and drink. Baking soda neutralizes acid and may help prevent heartburn after eating.
Studies show that baking soda is effective at reducing acid reflux, but it may have adverse effects on the heart, so it’s important to use this remedy moderately. Baking soda contains sodium, so do not try this if you are on a low-sodium diet.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you are on prescription medications or have a chronic health condition before using baking soda for heartburn. Further, if your symptoms of heartburn have lasted more than two weeks, you should see your healthcare provider to be evaluated for complicated reflux or secondary causes for the symptom.
Chest muscle strain is a common cause of chest pain. If you have chest pain due to muscle strain or injury, icing the area with a cold pack a few times a day may help reduce pain and inflammation. Research shows that applying cold packs can help reduce chest pain and may decrease the need for pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
If you’re experiencing chest pain from gastrointestinal issues, ginger may help thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger is frequently used as a home remedy for gastric issues such as gas, bloating, gastritis, ulcers, and indigestion.
Ginger contains compounds that are said to relieve irritation in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce gastric contractions. Research suggests the antioxidant properties in ginger may contribute to the gastroprotective effects of ginger. Ginger is also known to soothe an upset stomach and prevent nausea and vomiting.
Again, if your symptoms of stomach pain have lasted more than two weeks, you should see your healthcare provider to be evaluated for an ulcer or other concerning secondary causes for the symptom.
While there are no studies that support it, some people think lemon juice can stimulate healthy digestion—helping break down food more efficiently and making it easier for the digestive system to absorb nutrients. However, others find that lemons and other citrus fruits may make their acid reflux worse.
To try this remedy, mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 8 ounces of hot or cold water, and drink approximately 20 minutes before eating to help prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, such as gas pain.
Remember to check with your healthcare provider if your symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks.
Inflammation can cause a host of issues in the body and plays a role in many diseases and chronic conditions, including gastrointestinal conditions. Turmeric—a plant related to ginger—is a spice that comes from the root of turmeric plants.
Curcumin—the main active ingredient in turmeric—is known to reduce inflammation in the body, and scientists see it as a promising therapeutic option in treating and managing gastrointestinal conditions.
Research shows the compounds found in turmeric reduce cholesterol and may help prevent heart disease. You can take turmeric as a supplement (available over the counter) or use it as a spice when cooking.
There are many conditions that can cause chest pain, including cardiac (heart) issues, acid reflux, muscle strain or injury, anxiety, and asthma, to name just a few. Chest pain can also be a symptom of a life-threatening condition, so it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you think you may be experiencing a heart attack or other cardiac problem.
Home remedies can be helpful in reducing minor chest pain, but if you are experiencing frequent, intense, or unrelenting chest pain, seek the advice of your healthcare professional. They can make a diagnosis for your chest pain and recommend treatments and medications to help manage your condition.
Did you know the most common forms of heart disease are largely preventable? Our guide will show you what puts you at risk, and how to take control of your heart health.
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