What Does It Mean When You Feel Tightness in Your Chest?

Reviewed by Garrett Kneese, MD, MPH

Family Medicine

Feeling tightness in your chest can be a sign that something is affecting your heart, breathing, or digestive system, and it’s important to have it checked if it worries you.

Explanation

When you feel tightness in your chest, it means there is a sensation of pressure or constriction in that area. This feeling can come from different parts of your body. Sometimes, it might be caused by breathing problems like asthma, where the airways get narrower and make it hard to breathe properly. Other times, chest tightness can be due to your esophagus or stomach acid moving upward, which is similar to acid reflux. In some cases, the tightening can be related to heart issues; however, not every instance of chest tightness is linked to the heart. Chest tightness can also be a sign of muscle strain or stress. Doctors look at other symptoms you might have along with the tightness to determine the cause. If the tightness continues, is very uncomfortable, or you are worried it might be serious, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional who can help find out what is happening and how best to make you feel better.

(References)

Zhang JX, Zhan XB, Bai C, Li Q. Belching, regurgitation, chest tightness and dyspnea: not gastroesophageal reflux disease but asthma. World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Feb 7;21(5):1680-3. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i5.1680. PMID: 25663791; PMCID: PMC4316114.
Hickam DH. Chest Pain or Discomfort. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK416/
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.
Frese T, Mahlmeister J, Heitzer M, Sandholzer H. Chest pain in general practice: Frequency, management, and results of encounter. J Family Med Prim Care. 2016 Jan-Mar;5(1):61-6. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.184625. PMID: 27453845; PMCID: PMC4943151.

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