Customer question:
Are heart pains always dangerous? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Pains in the area of the heart are not always dangerous, as they can have different causes. However, it is essential not to ignore the pain in the heart area, especially if it is new, intense, occurs suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Some causes of heart pain that are not necessarily related to heart problems include:
- Muscle tension: Muscle tension in the chest or back area can cause pain that some people perceive as pain in the heart area.
- Digestive problems: Reflux disease (GERD) or other digestive disorders can cause pain in the heart area.
- Nerve causes: Nerve problems such as neuralgia or nerve irritation can cause pain in the heart area.
- Lung problems: Lung problems such as pneumonia or inflammation of the pleura (pleurisy) can cause chest pain.
- Anxiety or panic attacks: Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks can cause physical symptoms, including pain in the heart area.
However, there are also heart-related severe problems that can cause pain in the heart area, such as heart attack, angina pectoris, pericarditis, or myocarditis. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a doctor if you experience pain in the heart area, especially if it is intense, spreads to other parts of the body, or is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating.
Interesting reading: Heart palpitations
Interesting reading: Sudden stab at the heart