What Causes Intermittent Pain in the Chest?

Chest pain may be caused by diseases such as costochondritis, cardiac neurosis, and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, as detailed below:

1. Costochondritis

The exact cause of costochondritis is unknown. Some patients are related to infection. Due to inflammation of the costosternal joint ligaments and costal cartilage, inflammatory factors can stimulate intermittent chest pain. The pain may manifest as dull pain, aching pain, stabbing pain, etc. The location of the pain is generally relatively fixed, and coughing or deep breathing can intensify the pain. With daily life care and medication, most patients can control the progression of the disease and achieve a cure, with a good prognosis.

2. Cardiac Neurosis

If a patient experiences persistent chest pain accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, but without organic heart disease, it is considered cardiac neurosis. The etiology of this disease is unclear and may be related to factors such as genetics, emotional anxiety, and physical fatigue. Since cardiac neurosis is not an organic lesion, most patients have a good prognosis after receiving psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

3. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

Patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease experience coronary artery insufficiency due to coronary artery stenosis or occlusion. Myocardial ischemia and hypoxia can cause intermittent compressive and tight pain. Patients may also have symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. The pathological changes of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease are irreversible. With timely pharmacotherapy, patients can delay the progression of the disease, reduce the occurrence of angina pectoris, and improve their quality of life.

In addition to the aforementioned diseases, conditions such as bile reflux gastritis and lung cancer can also cause chest pain.