Noncardiac Chest Pain

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

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What do I need to know about noncardiac chest pain?

Noncardiac chest pain is pain or discomfort in your chest that is not caused by a heart problem. The pain may move to your neck, back, or other areas. Pain from another area can also move to your chest.

What causes or increases my risk for noncardiac chest pain?

• Acid reflux
• Nerve or muscle problems within the esophagus that slow the movement of food
• Sickle cell crisis, if you have sickle cell disease
• Increased sensitivity to pain within your esophagus
• Panic attacks, anxiety, or depression
• Chest wall, muscle, or rib pain
• A blood clot in your lung, called a pulmonary embolism (PE)

How is the cause of noncardiac chest pain diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Describe your chest pain in as much detail as possible. Tell your provider where your pain is and when it began. Tell the provider if you notice anything that makes the pain worse or better. Tell your provider if it is constant or comes and goes. Also include any other symptoms you have with the chest pain, such as sweating or nausea. Your provider will ask about any medicines you use and medical conditions you have. You may also need any of the following:

• Blood tests check for possible causes of noncardiac chest pain, such as an infection.
• pH monitoring is used to check your throat for acid reflux.
• Manometry measures the pressure within the esophagus. This test may show nerve or muscle problems that cause slow movement of food.
• An ultrasound, x-ray, CT, or MRI scan may show the cause of your chest pain, such as a PE. You may be given contrast liquid to help an area show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
• An endoscopy may be done to check for ulcers or problem with your esophagus.

Related medications

How is noncardiac chest pain treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your chest pain. You may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be given to treat the cause of your chest pain. You may be given medicines to decrease pain, relieve anxiety, decrease acid reflux, or relax muscles in your esophagus.
• Cognitive therapy may be helpful if you have panic attacks, anxiety, or depression. It can help you change how you react to situations that tend to trigger your chest pain.
• Surgery may be needed for certain causes of chest pain, such as a PE or a digestion problem. Surgery may also be needed to repair an injured area causing pain.

What are some healthy living tips?

If the cause of your chest pain is known, your healthcare provider will give you specific guidelines to follow. The following are general healthy guidelines:

• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung and heart damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Choose a variety of healthy foods as often as possible. Include fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. Also include low-fat dairy products, fish, chicken (without skin), and lean meats. Your provider or a dietitian can help you create meal plans. You may need to avoid certain foods or drinks if your pain is caused by a digestion problem.
• Lower your sodium (salt) intake. Limit foods that are high in sodium, such as canned foods, salty snacks, and cold cuts. If you add salt when you cook food, do not add more at the table. Choose low-sodium canned foods as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of water every day. Water helps your body to control your temperature and blood pressure. Ask your provider how much water you should drink every day.
• Ask about activity. Your provider will tell you which activities to limit or avoid. Ask when you can drive, return to work, and have sex. Ask about the best exercise plan for you.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask your provider to help you create a safe weight loss plan if you are overweight.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. Certain vaccines help prevent diseases that can become serious for a person with a heart condition. Your provider can tell you if you also need vaccines not listed below, and when to get them:
  • Ask your healthcare provider about the flu and pneumonia vaccines. All adults should get the flu (influenza) vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 or older to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Adults aged 19 to 49 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease should also receive the vaccine. You may need 1 dose or 2. The number depends on the vaccine used and your risk factors.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are given to adults as a shot. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for all adults. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Adults 65 or older need a second dose of updated vaccine at least 4 months after the first dose. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have severe chest pain.

When should I call my doctor?

• Your chest pain does not get better, even with treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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