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Published on: 5/22/2025

Why Do I Experience Chest Pain When Lying Down?

Chest pain when lying down may happen because of non-heart-related issues like acid reflux or muscle strain, but it might also be linked to heart or breathing conditions that cause discomfort in certain positions.

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Explanation

When you lie down, changes in your body’s position can trigger chest pain for several reasons. One common cause is acid reflux. When you're lying flat, stomach acid can more easily travel up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation that feels like chest pain. Another possibility is that the muscles and bones in your chest may be under pressure when you lie down for a long time, leading to soreness or musculoskeletal pain. In some cases, heart-related issues can also cause pain when you recline. Since chest pain can have many different causes—from harmless to serious—it's important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. They can conduct tests to determine the cause and help you find the best way to feel better.

(References)

  • Constant J. The diagnosis of nonanginal chest pain. Keio J Med. 1990 Sep;39(3):187-92. doi: 10.2302/kjm.39.187. PMID: 2255129.

  • Loui WS, Blackshear JL, Fredrickson PA, Kaplan J. Obstructive sleep apnea manifesting as suspected angina: report of three cases. Mayo Clin Proc. 1994 Mar;69(3):244-8. doi: 10.1016/s0025-6196(12)61063-5. PMID: 8133662.

  • Zhou C, Tao J, Li S. Case report: Unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms causing postural angina pectoris and false "pulmonary hypertension". Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Mar 22;10:1120633. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1120633. PMID: 37034326; PMCID: PMC10073471.

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