[55M] Experiencing persistent, sharp chest pain

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Angina: This is chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The discomfort can also occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease.

  • Treatment for angina usually includes lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes, surgery. You may need to treat other diseases that make CAD worse, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

• Heart Attack: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, and more.

  • Treatment for a heart attack usually includes medications and lifestyle changes. Medical procedures or surgery can also be used to treat a heart attack.

• Musculoskeletal Pain: This is pain that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones. The causes of musculoskeletal pain are varied. Muscle tissue can be damaged with the wear and tear of daily activities.

  • Treatment for musculoskeletal pain usually includes physical therapy or occupational therapy. You may also benefit from pain or anti-inflammatory medications.

What you can do

Given the severity and nature of your symptoms, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention. Chest pain can be a sign of serious heart problems, and it's important to take chest pain seriously.

What you should look out for

If your chest pain becomes severe or is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately:

• Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach area
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

Please note that this advice is based on the information you provided and is not a substitute for a doctor's advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.