What Could Cause Chest Pain That Comes and Goes Intermittently?

When chest pain comes and goes intermittently, several possibilities could be behind it. Often, acid reflux (or gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a common cause. In this condition, stomach acid irritates the esophagus, leading to chest discomfort that may come and go with meals or changes in body position. Muscle strain or costochondritis—inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone—can also cause chest pain that fluctuates over time, especially with movement or pressure on the chest. On the cardiac side, some patients experience what's known as angina, where blood vessels in the heart don't function properly, leading to persistent or recurring chest pain. Additionally, neurological causes, such as nerve irritation or compression, might result in intermittent chest pain as well. Since intermittent chest pain has various different causes, it's important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor who can perform tests (like an EKG, imaging, or gastrointestinal studies) to determine the precise cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.