Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and Risks
Right-sided chest pain can stem from various health issues, ranging from benign conditions to serious heart problems like CAD, pericarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and mitral valve prolapse. Recognizing symptoms and seeking prompt medical advice is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications. This guide highlights common causes and encourages awareness to ensure health and safety.
Experiencing right-sided chest discomfort can be alarming, but it doesn't always signal a heart attack. While chest pain warrants attention, it's important to recognize that various conditions can cause pain on the right side of the chest, many of which are less serious. Being informed about these potential causes helps you respond appropriately. Notably, some issues, like artery blockages or heart muscle problems, require prompt medical care to prevent complications. Awareness ensures timely treatment and peace of mind.
Common reasons for right chest pain include:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This occurs when vessels supplying blood to the heart are blocked, leading to angina—typically presenting as right chest pain. CAD indicates underlying heart issues and may cause pain to spread to the shoulder, arm, or back.
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart causes pain similar to angina but often sharper, sometimes extending to the neck. Activities like lying down or breathing deeply can worsen this pain.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: An abnormal thickening of the heart muscle may impair blood flow, causing chest pain and shortness of breath, especially during exertion. If untreated, it could lead to heart failure.
Mitral Valve Prolapse: A valve malfunction can cause chest pain, dizziness, and palpitations. Mild cases may only produce slight discomfort.
This overview helps in understanding possible causes of right-sided chest pain and underscores the importance of timely medical evaluation.
