Most chest pain is not a sign of anything serious but you should get medical advice just in case. Get immediate medical help if you think you're having a heart attack. Show
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:You have sudden chest pain that:
You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
It's important to get medical advice to make sure it's nothing serious. Common causes of chest painChest pain has many different causes. In most cases, chest pain is not caused by a heart problem. Your symptoms might give you an idea of the cause. Don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried. Possible causesChest pain symptomsPossible causeStarts after eating, bringing up food or bitter tasting fluids, feeling full and bloatedheartburn or indigestionStarts after chest injury or chest exercise, feels better when resting the musclechest sprain or strainTriggered by worries or a stressful situation, heartbeat gets faster, sweating, dizzinessanxiety or panic attackGets worse when you breathe in and out, coughing up yellow or green mucus, high temperaturechest infection or pneumoniaTingling feeling on skin, skin rash appears that turns into blistersshingles Chest pain and heart problemsThe most common heart problems that cause chest pain include:
You're more likely to have heart problems if you're older or know you're at risk of coronary heart disease. Chest pain can be a symptom of a life threatening heart attack. However, right sided chest pain makes it less likely, but not impossible, to be a heart-related problem. Several organs and structures in the chest can trigger pain signals.Regardless, chest pain — even pain in the right side — needs an explanation and possibly a medical evaluation. This article explains the possible causes of pain in the right side of the chest and when to contact a doctor. What is pain in the right side of the chest?PeopleImages/Getty ImagesThe chest cavity contains many organs and structures, including the following:
Painful stimuli in any of these tissues can cause chest pain, including a sharp pain in the right side of the chest. Sometimes, the pain can radiate to other areas, such as the shoulder or abdomen. Pain in the right side of the chest can have various descriptions, including the following:
The pain can be constant or fleeting. It may steadily get worse, or it may get better when you rest. Different positions may improve the pain or aggravate it. Also, it may only happen after eating or with deep breathing or coughing. These differences in nature and timing of right sided chest pain can be clues to its cause. What other symptoms might occur with pain in the right side of the chest?Depending on the cause of right sided chest pain, other symptoms can occur. These may include the following:
What causes pain in the right side of the chest?It is possible for heart problems to cause right sided chest pain. Heart problems are more likely when there is pain in the left or middle part of the chest. Ischemic chest pain may radiate to the right or left shoulder, the jaw, or the left arm. Otherwise, even sharp pain in the right side of the chest may be due to other conditions. Common causes of pain in the right side of the chest include the following:
Potentially life threatening causes of right sided chest pain include the following:
Chest pain that persists or recurs requires medical attention. When should you contact a doctor for pain in the right side of the chest?Chest pain is a common complaint and accounts for about 5% of emergency room visits. About one-third of these visits turn out to be something serious, such as a heart attack. The rest turn out to be non-life-threatening problems. Because chest pain can be a sign of a life threatening problem, it needs a medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical care for right sided chest pain that is worsening, lasts longer than a few minutes, or continues despite resting. You should also seek emergency care (call 911) for chest pain and the following symptoms of a heart attack:
Otherwise, contact your doctor for advice about your chest pain. How do doctors diagnose the cause of pain in the right side of the chest?To diagnose the cause of right sided chest pain, your doctor will take a medical history and perform an exam. Questions your doctor may ask about your chest pain include the following:
The exam will focus on your heart, lungs, and abdomen. Depending on what your doctor finds, testing may be necessary. Tests may include the following:
The results may lead to more invasive testing or procedures, such as upper endoscopy or heart catheterization. What are the treatments for pain in the right side of the chest?The treatments for pain in the right side of the chest depend on the cause. Serious underlying causes may require hospitalization for treatment. For other causes, such as acid reflux, medications can help manage the symptoms. What are the potential complications of pain in the right side of the chest?Like the treatments, the potential complications of pain in the right side of the chest depend on the underlying cause. Sometimes, complications can be life threatening. Frequently asked questionsHere are some questions that people often ask about pain in the right side of the chest. What is on the right side of your chest?The right side of the chest cavity contains the right lung, part of the diaphragm, part of the pleural lining, and half of the ribcage with muscles and cartilage. What does right sided chest pain indicate?There are several possible causes of right sided chest pain. For example, the pain can relate to the lungs, pleura, ribs, esophagus, or muscles. Sometimes, it indicates a problem with the heart or great vessels. When should I be concerned about pain in the right side of my chest?Chest pain is concerning when it is worsening, persistent, or unresponsive to rest. You should also be concerned if it occurs with other symptoms of a heart attack. Because some causes of chest pain are life threatening, it is best to be cautious and seek medical care. SummaryRight sided chest pain has many causes. Often, it is not related to the heart. However, it is possible to feel pain from heart problems on the right side. This is especially true when the pain radiates to the right arm, shoulder, or back. Your other symptoms and the timing and nature of the pain can offer clues to the cause. If you are in doubt about the cause of right sided chest pain, contact a doctor as soon as possible. Should I worry about chest pain that comes and goes?If you have chest pain that comes and goes, you should be sure to see your doctor. It's important that they evaluate and properly diagnose your condition so that you can receive treatment. Remember that chest pain can also be a sign of a more serious condition like a heart attack.
Why do I get a sharp pain in my chest then it goes away?A sudden, sharp pain in your chest may make you worry that you could have a serious heart or lung problem. But if the pain disappears almost as quickly as it came and you don't have any other symptoms, it might be a harmless condition known as precordial catch syndrome.
Is it normal to get random sharp pains in chest?Get urgent medical care if you have severe, sudden pain or any other kind of chest pain. Go to the emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
What is it called when you have sharp pains in your right side chest?Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the thin, saclike tissue surrounding the heart (pericardium). Pericarditis often causes sharp chest pain. The chest pain occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other. Pericarditis is usually mild and goes away without treatment.
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