Chest Pain: Is It Gas, Heartburn, or a Heart Attack?

Chest pain is a symptom that can trigger fear and rightly so. While chest pain may be a warning sign of a heart attack, it can also be caused by several less serious (but still important) conditions like gas, indigestion, or muscle strain. The key is knowing how to tell the difference and when to seek medical help.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of chest pain, help you recognize red-flag symptoms, and explain how medical tests can guide proper diagnosis.

Common Causes of Chest Pain

Let’s break down some of the most frequent non-cardiac causes of chest pain — and how they can feel deceptively similar to more serious issues:

Gastrointestinal Gas or Bloating

Gas can build up in the stomach or intestines, putting pressure on the diaphragm and even pushing upward toward the chest. This pressure may mimic heart-related pain and cause:

• Sharp or cramping pain under the ribs
• A feeling of fullness or tightness
• Temporary relief after burping or passing gas

Tip: If the pain shifts with movement or posture, and there’s bloating involved, gas might be the culprit.

Heartburn (Acid Reflux / GERD)

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid travels backward into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing a burning sensation.

Symptoms may include:

• Burning or tightness behind the breastbone
• Sour or acidic taste in the mouth
• Pain that worsens after eating, lying down, or bending forward

While heartburn is common, severe or frequent reflux can damage the esophagus and warrants medical evaluation.

Esophageal Spasm

Less known but surprisingly common, spasms of the esophageal muscles can cause sudden, intense chest pain that mimics a heart attack.

• Pain may be squeezing or pressure-like
• Can occur after eating or drinking cold/hot beverages
• Often mistaken for angina

Diagnosis often requires an upper GI endoscopy or manometry.

Musculoskeletal Strain

Chest pain that worsens with movement, deep breathing, or touch is often related to the muscles or joints of the chest wall.

• Common after heavy lifting, bad posture, or coughing fits
• Localized pain that may feel sore or bruised
• Improves with rest, warm compress, or simple analgesics

Muscle strains are benign but can be alarming due to their location.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Emotional stress can lead to chest tightness, shortness of breath, and even palpitations.

• Chest pain is often accompanied by dizziness, sweating, or a feeling of doom
• Typically lasts 10–30 minutes and may occur at rest
• No findings on cardiac tests

While not dangerous in themselves, panic attacks should be addressed, especially if recurrent.

Costochondritis

An inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, costochondritis can cause sharp chest pain.

• Pain is reproducible with touch or movement
• Often affects younger adults
• Self-limiting but can recur

When Is Chest Pain a Medical Emergency?

If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Chest tightness or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes
• Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, or arms (especially left side)
• Shortness of breath, cold sweats, or nausea
• Fainting or extreme fatigue
• Chest discomfort with physical activity or stress

Even if you’re unsure, it’s always better to get evaluated promptly.

How Is Chest Pain Diagnosed?

At Arton James Clinic, we approach chest pain systematically with:

• ECG (Electrocardiogram): Assesses heart rhythm and identifies signs of ischemia or past heart attack
• Echocardiogram: Visualizes heart structure and function in real time
• Treadmill Test (TMT): Evaluates how your heart performs under stress
• Holter Monitoring: Continuous ECG recording for 24–48 hours to detect intermittent irregularities

These tests, interpreted by our experienced cardiologists, help distinguish between benign and dangerous causes of chest pain.

Take No Chances with Chest Pain

If you’re experiencing unexplained chest discomfort — whether mild or severe — don’t self-diagnose. While indigestion and gas are common, missing a heart attack can be fatal.

At Arton James Clinic, our fully equipped Cardiology Department is here to give you answers — quickly and accurately. We offer walk-in ECGs, same-day echo and TMT services, and expert cardiac consultation under one roof.

🫀 Don’t guess — get tested. Book your cardiac screening today.