CHEST PAIN

There are many causes of chest pains, some of which are not serious but others which are serious and life threatening. Angina or heart attack is discomfort in the chest that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen or blood because of narrowings in the coronary arteries. This may feel like tightness, pressure, aching or burning which may be brought on or worsened by exercise, emotional stress or anxiety. The pain may spread to the arm, shoulder, jaw or back. Your risk of having coronary artery disease is higher if:

• You have a family history of heart disease
• You smoke
• You have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes

Other causes of chest pain could be acid indigestion, gastritis, muscular pains, or pain referred from the back but felt in the chest.