Pressure in the chest: right, left, middle, what to do?

What does it mean if there is pressure in the chest?

The chest is a cone-shaped part of the body, having a somewhat compressed shape. It contains the respiratory organs, heart muscle, thyroid gland, etc.

Pathologies leading to the development of chest pain are very diverse and can affect any system localized in a given area. To differentiate symptoms, a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition is necessary.

When there is pressure in the chest, the following parameters are important:

• localization of pain;
• nature of pain;
• duration;
• associated symptoms;
• how the sensations are relieved;
• after which the pain intensifies, etc.

In the middle

Localization of sensations is an important diagnostic sign. If there is pressure in the middle of the chest, then this may indicate diseases such as:

1. Myocardial infarction. The reasons why there is pressure in the chest include one of the forms of ischemic heart disease, which leads to the necrosis of the muscle tissue of the heart. The main cause of MI is considered to be a lack of blood supply.
2. Aortic aneurysm dissection. The condition is a consequence of pathological changes in the aorta resulting from various causes (atherosclerotic or inflammatory processes, hereditary changes, trauma, etc.).
3. Intercostal neuralgia. The main reason for the development of the condition is hypothermia. It is compression of the nerve roots between the ribs. It is not considered a dangerous disease, but it causes significant discomfort and impairs the quality of life.
4. Pathologies of the skeletal system. If there is pressure on the chest, this may be a consequence of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, scoliosis, etc. These diseases affect bones and cartilage, leading to unpleasant sensations.
5. Rheumatic diseases. Damage to the joints and bones also leads to pressure on the sternum. Among such pathologies are rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, etc.
6. Neoplasms. If there is pressure on the chest, the reasons may be the development of a malignant or benign tumor. In some cases, metastases from lung, breast, and stomach cancer can grow, leading to pain.
7. Consequence of injury. Chest pain can occur due to a fall, blow, or tissue rupture. In some cases, the injury can lead to dangerous conditions, such as a ruptured lung.

Table 1. Distinctive features of pathologies leading to pain in the middle of the chest

This is not a complete list of probable causes of pressing pain in the anterior part of the sternum. It is very difficult to diagnose on your own; it is recommended to visit a specialist.

Left

Most people believe that if there is pressure in the chest on the left, then this is certainly a pathology of the cardiovascular system. In practice, the manifestation can be triggered by a number of diseases. In particular:

1. Angina pectoris. The pain is pressing, squeezing, burning. Localized in the heart area, in rare cases in the anterior part of the sternum. Other forms of IHD can lead to similar sensations. The condition can occur at any time of the day. In some patients, angina pain is recorded only in a horizontal position. The pathology is called resting angina.
2. Pericarditis. An inflammatory pathology affecting the pericardium (heart tissue).
3. Pulmonary embolism. It is a disruption of blood flow due to a blood clot. The life-threatening condition often leads to death in a short time.
4. Pleurisy. It is an inflammatory lesion of the pleura (lining of the lungs).
5. Gastrointestinal diseases. Pain in a number of pathologies can spread to the left side of the chest.

Table 2. Distinctive signs of pathologies leading to pain in the left side of the sternum

If there is pressure on the left side, then the pathologies described above are also likely:

• presence of neoplasms;
• pathologies of bones, joints, cartilage;
• mechanical damage;
• intercostal neuralgia, etc.

If you have pain on the left side, you do not need to make an appointment with a cardiologist. The initial appointment is carried out by a general practitioner, who will make a preliminary diagnosis and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist: neurologist, rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, etc.

On right

The cause of pressure on the right can be any of the above diseases. Pain may indicate:

• right-sided pneumonia (pneumonia);
• infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• oncological diseases;
• lesions of the skeletal system;
• neuralgic pathologies, etc.

Often there is pressure on the right side due to muscle strain or hypothermia. Systematic paroxysmal pain is a serious reason for taking action.

Treatment for chest pain

Chest pain can be relieved with the help of painkillers and heart medications, but self-medication in such cases can lead to unpleasant consequences. If there is pinching and pain in the chest area, it is necessary to undergo appropriate research and treatment. To determine the causes of discomfort, the patient must be examined by a therapist, after which he is prescribed blood tests, fluorography, CT, MRI and other diagnostic procedures. It is imperative to collect anamnesis and complaints - how long ago the pain began,

First aid

If a person suddenly experiences discomfort in his chest, he needs to be given first aid. To do this, place it horizontally, provide an influx of fresh air (loosen the belt, unfasten the collar, loosen the clothes in the chest area, open a window or vent). To reduce pain, you can give a person a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue; if there is no effect, you can repeat the dose after 5-10 minutes. If the patient's condition quickly deteriorates, you should call an ambulance - any delay can lead to serious consequences, and in some cases even death.

Even if the pain and heaviness in the chest are quite tolerable, you need to see a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination. Some pathologies do not produce pronounced symptoms, but can cause unpleasant consequences. The regimen and features of therapy depend on the disease that caused the unpleasant symptoms, as well as on its clinical course.

Treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease is the most dangerous cause of chest pain and heaviness. Most of them are capable of progressing, due to which the condition of the heart muscle and other organ structures quickly deteriorates. For angina pectoris, ischemia and other pathologies associated with insufficient oxygen supply to tissues, patients are prescribed beta-blockers, statins, calcium antagonists, and blood thinners. They protect the heart from excessive stress, slow down pathological processes and improve the functions of the cardiovascular system.

Treatment of respiratory diseases

Infectious respiratory diseases are treated with antibiotics; without antimicrobial therapy it is impossible to get rid of them. The specific drug is selected depending on the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to the active substance, but most often pneumonia, bronchitis and other diseases are treated with broad-spectrum agents. As additional therapy, expectorants and mucus-thinning drugs, antipyretic drugs, and vitamins are used. After the acute period is left behind, patients are prescribed physical therapy - electrophoresis, massage, physical therapy, etc.

Treatment of spinal pathologies

The main method of treating osteochondrosis and other spinal pathologies is physiotherapy and exercise therapy. They strengthen the muscle corset and improve the condition of the musculoskeletal system. To alleviate the condition and reduce symptoms, painkillers and NSAIDs are used, as well as ointments and gels with a warming, anti-inflammatory and irritant effect. In addition, it is important to fight excess weight, eat right and engage in light physical activity. In severe cases (problems with motor activity, disturbances in the functioning of other organs), patients are advised to undergo surgery.

Treatment of neurological diseases

For neurological diseases, patients are prescribed relaxants, tranquilizers and antidepressants. Conversations with a psychotherapist, breathing exercises and relaxation exercises have a good effect. The main thing in the treatment of neurological diseases is to find the factor that contributes to the occurrence of increased anxiety, chest pain and other unpleasant symptoms. If it cannot be eliminated, the patient must learn to react correctly to stressful situations and cope with them.

It is important to remember that other diseases can also cause discomfort in the chest. These include endocrinological and hormonal disorders, cholelithiasis, cancer of distant organs with metastasis to the chest. Breathing difficulties can be a symptom of autoimmune processes that affect the tissues of the lungs and bronchi, immunodeficiency conditions, and pancreatic diseases.

Reasons why it’s hard to breathe and not enough air

Breathing disorders are scary and make you think about your own health. If there is pressure in the chest and it is difficult to breathe, then you should not panic. It will only make the situation worse.

Possible causes (in addition to those listed above):

1. Cerebral atherosclerosis. Pathology expressed in disturbance of blood flow of cerebral vessels due to blockage by atherosclerotic plaques. Characterized by increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and tinnitus. Nitroglycerin helps relieve the condition.
2. Acute gastritis. An inflammatory disease leading to the death of the gastric epithelium. When the disease occurs, it can be difficult to breathe and puts pressure on the chest.
3. Angina. The pain is accompanied by the principles of suffocation, enlarged tonsils, and redness of the throat. The sensations intensify with inhalation and movement.

Pressure and difficulty breathing in diseases such as:

• myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock; angina pectoris, pericarditis, endocarditis, etc.;
• pulmonary thromboembolism;
• pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleurisy;
• some forms of allergic reactions (Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock);
• bronchial asthma;
• acute and chronic bronchitis; false croup; laryngitis, etc.

Chest pain: what to do?

If pain grips a person’s chest and it becomes difficult to breathe, you should immediately go to the hospital, even if the symptoms are mild and go away on their own. The causes of unpleasant sensations can be different, and they can only be determined with the help of special studies. It is especially important to consult a doctor in cases where the patient has hit his chest, or symptoms have arisen for no apparent reason, but are abrupt and severe. Such situations can pose a danger to a person’s life, and the sooner appropriate measures are taken, the greater the chance of a full recovery.

What to do?

The first rule when detecting pain is not to make a diagnosis yourself. If there is pressure, what to do:

1. In case of prolonged or acute sensations, call an ambulance.
2. While waiting for doctors, lie down with a bolster or pillow under your head.
3. Loosen clothing and provide oxygen access.
4. If you suspect that the sensations are due to heart disease, take a nitroglycerin tablet.

It is strictly forbidden to leave the patient unattended. If the situation is not critical, then you need to visit a doctor yourself as soon as possible.

Special, acute conditions in which there is pressure in the chest

The most common acute conditions are those in which there is pressure in the middle of the sternum.

Myocardial infarction

A heart attack occurs when a vessel that supplies oxygen to the heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked, stopping the flow. Due to lack of oxygen, necrosis of part of the muscle occurs.

During a heart attack, pain manifests itself in the chest, in the area of ​​the heart, persists for more than 20 minutes, and can radiate to the upper limbs, neck, lower jaw, back, epigastrium (abdominal area).

Pressing pain is accompanied by sweating, pallor, and anxiety. There may be shortness of breath, a lump in the throat, and rapid heartbeat.

The feeling of tightness during a heart attack, unlike angina, does not go away with rest and does not respond to taking nitroglycerin. If such pain occurs, you must immediately seek medical help and take care to minimize the load on the heart.

Aortic aneurysm

Sharp pain behind the breastbone in the middle, shooting into the lower part of the body, especially the stomach or back, may indicate an aortic aneurysm. This is a very serious and life-threatening condition. Requires immediate medical attention. The pain is intense, medications do not help.

Broken ribs

Fractures usually occur due to injuries to the thoracic area. The pain is very unpleasant and worsens with inhalation.

Pulmonary embolism

This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vessel (usually in the vessels of the lower extremities).

If a lump, an embolus, breaks off, it enters the lungs with the bloodstream, where it blocks the pulmonary artery and disrupts the flow of blood through part of the pulmonary bed.

A large clot that blocks a pulmonary vessel can cause sudden death. Smaller blockages of the pulmonary system may manifest as pain in the chest area associated with a dry cough and shortness of breath.

Which doctor should I contact?

If you are able to visit the clinic yourself, you can make an appointment with a GP

. He will determine the approximate cause of the pain and the direction of further search, and will also give you directions for diagnostic procedures and, if necessary, to specialized specialists. If there is acute pain in the middle of the chest, it is difficult and difficult to move, you cannot get out of bed without pain, call an ambulance. After examining you at home, a specialist will provide first aid and determine whether you need to be taken to the hospital.