Chest pain

Pain or pressure on the chest may be the result of a problem with the heart. However, such symptoms can also originate from other muscles, the ribs or the lungs. The advice is: if in doubt, always consult your GP immediately.

Anatomy of the chest

The rib cage consists of the breastbone with on both sides twelve ribs that are connected at the back to the thoracic spine. Between the ribs are the intercostal muscles. These help with breathing by lifting the ribs, thereby enlarging the chest cavity.

The pectoralis major covers the upper ribs at the front of the chest. At the top they are bounded by the collarbone. The pectoral muscle provides inward rotation and movement of the shoulder. It also helps with breathing and pulls the shoulder girdle forwards.

Inside the rib cage are the heart and lungs. Thanks to the cage-like construction that the breastbone, ribs and thoracic spine form together, the heart and lungs are well protected from external forces.

Heart, lungs or another cause?

Distinguishing between heart problems, lung problems or another problem that causes chest pain is not always easy. We try to make a general distinction below. 

Chest pain originating from the heart
Heart-related symptoms may be present when pressure or pain on the chest is on the left side. If there is radiation to the arm and the symptoms worsen with exertion or changes in heart rate, the suspicion of a heart problem increases.

Chest pain originating from the lungs
The lungs can also cause chest pain. One thinks of a problem with the lungs when there is pressing pain over a large area of the chest, with symptoms that depend on breathing or exertion.

Non heart- or lung-related pain
In addition to heart- and lung-related pain, chest pain can also have other causes. The symptoms can arise acutely or gradually (slowly). Important conditions to consider include rib fractures, rib contusions, dysfunction in a joint or problems in one of the muscles of the chest.

Problems with the ribs can occur as a result of an accident or fall. However, this is not always necessary. Rib symptoms can also arise as a result of sneezing. Coughing, sneezing and taking a deep breath can be extra painful when the ribs are affected.

Pain that is not from the heart or lungs is often movement-dependent. This means that the pain generally occurs with the movements we make, such as bending, extending or rotating the upper body. Certain arm movements can also cause pain.

Check your symptoms

If in doubt it is wise to consult your GP immediately. By telephone a good estimate can quickly be made as to whether you need urgent help. If no acute help is needed, you can do the online physiotherapy check. You then answer a number of questions about your symptoms after which we compare your symptoms with the most common conditions and injuries in physiotherapy.

If necessary, you can then make an appointment at a physiotherapy practice for professional advice and treatment.

Conditions

Via the overview below you can read more about different conditions and injuries that cause chest pain.