Doctor explains what those random chest pains you get are
If you get random chest pains you aren't alone.
In most cases, chest pain is not caused by anything serious but we're often left wondering.
For potentially a bit of peace-of-mind, take a look below:
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TikTok account Life Of A Doctor, regularly posts explainer videos on health conditions and what the possible problems could be.
The LA-based emergency medicine physician who runs the account has over three million followers on TikTok, and millions across other platforms.
In one of his videos, he explained what the 'random chest pain' you keep getting might be.
"When you get that random chest pain every 6 months since you were a child where you feel a stabbing pain in your heart and have to breathe tiny breaths till it randomly goes away," he said.
"If you've ever had random chest pain, listen closely.
"Not all chest pain comes from the heart. In fact, one of the most common causes of chest pain is something known as pre-cordial catch syndrome.
"This is usually described as sudden onset sharp chest pain that's located in this area. Now this pain lasts for a few seconds, two minutes and it's worse with deep breathing.
"And this is believed to be due to a pinched nerve that runs across a chest wall and is not life threatening."
One user commented: "The amount of time I thought I was getting a heart attack and thinking I am wayyy to young to go out this way lmao."
Another said: "I thought I was dying for YEARS."
"I honestly thought I was dying. Thanks bro," wrote another.
Whilst the NHS say that 'most chest pain is not a sign of anything serious', they also note that you can 'get medical advice just in case'.
"Chest pain has many different causes. In most cases, chest pain is not caused by a heart problem," they explained.
"Your symptoms might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried."
The most common heart problems that cause chest pain include:
- pericarditis – which usually causes a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or lie down
- angina or a heart attack – which have similar symptoms but a heart attack is life-threatening
You're more likely to have heart problems if you're older or are at risk of coronary heart disease.
Call 999 if:
- you get sudden pain or discomfort in your chest that does not go away – the pain can feel like squeezing or pressure inside your chest, burning or indigestion
- you get pain that spreads to your left or right arm, or your neck, jaw, stomach or back
- you have chest pain and you feel sweaty, sick, light headed or short of breath
You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 straight away as you need immediate treatment in hospital.
Anish Vij