A similar condition can occur with the xyphoid process, which protrudes downward an inch or so below the sternum.Ĭhest wall strain: There are muscles in the chest wall, which can become strained just like any other muscles. The inflamed area is tender to firm touch and sometimes hurts with a deep breath. Often there are other symptoms, such as a rapid pulse and shortness of breath.Ĭostochondritis is an inflammation where a rib attaches to the cartilage on one side of the sternum (breast bone). Pulmonary embolus (blood clot to the lungs) is often associated with chest pain with deep inspiration. The phrase “a broken heart” comes from chest discomfort that occurs with grieving, even though the source of the pain isn’t actually the heart. It is usually relieved by antacids.Īnxiety and depression can cause chest pain, usually in the breastbone area. When gastric acid refluxes up into the esophagus, where it doesn’t belong, the irritation causes a burning pain in the area of the sternum (breast bone). Heartburn is a misnomer because it has nothing to do with the heart. Unstable angina is when chest pain that previously occurred only with exertion occurs at rest, in which case urgent medical attention is indicated. It is caused by insufficient blood supply to part of the heart muscle due to a partial blockage of a coronary artery, and it goes away with rest. And sometimes the location of heart attack pain is atypical, such as the right chest or arm.Īngina is chest pain or tightness that occurs with exertion, often with radiation to the left neck, jaw, shoulder and/or arm. About a third of heart attack patients - especially women, diabetics and the elderly - don’t experience chest pain, so lack of this symptom doesn’t rule out a heart attack. Associated symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and light-headedness. Typical symptoms include left chest pressure (“like an elephant sitting on my chest”), often with discomfort radiating to the left neck, shoulder and/or jaw.

Heart attacks occur when atherosclerotic plaque in walls of coronary arteries ruptures, resulting in a clot that completely blocks off the blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Following are some common causes of chest pain: Sometimes chest pain can be associated with serious - even life-threatening - conditions, other times not.

Gallbladder/Liver Disorders – Inflammation of liver, pancreas or gallbladder and gallstones can cause abdominal pain extending to the chest at times.Chest pain is a common concern of patients visiting primary care providers.

Esophageal Disorders – Disorders that cause difficulty and pain during swallowing, e.g.

Gastritis/Gastric/Peptic Ulcers – An inflammation or ulceration in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, can cause burning sensation and chest pain in the center or middle of the chest pain.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn – Regurgitation of stomach contents and acid into the esophagus can cause irritation and burning pain in middle of the chest.

Indigestion/Bloated Abdomen – Abdominal bloating or gas can cause severe pain under the center of the chest, with excessive burping or flatulence.

Pain in center of chest after eating is commonly caused due to digestive system disorders listed below:

These are mostly related to intake of particular food, appetite changes and other gastric symptoms. Gastrointestinal disorders are usually the most common cause of chest pain, especially in the center, under the breast bone. Pain In Center Of Chest Caused Due To Digestive System Disorder

Upper chest discomfort and rash