What causes non-cardiac chest pain?
The most common cause of non-cardiac chest pain arises from a nearby organ, the esophagus. Esophageal causes of non-cardiac chest pain include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal spasm. GERD results from stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, which produces heartburn and chest pain. Esophageal spasm is caused by chaotic muscle contractions of the lower esophagus aggravated by acid reflux, stress or unknown factors. Another common cause of non-cardiac chest pain is musculoskeletal problems, especially fibromyositis (muscle inflammation). Finally, anxiety and panic attacks can produce chest pain that resembles the pain experienced during a heart attack. Who is affected by non-cardiac chest pain? Both men and women are affected by non-cardiac chest pain. However, the syndrome is twice as common in women, especially young and middle-aged women. What are the symptoms? Non-cardiac chest pain may resemble cardiac pain, therefore, you need to see a physician for this pro
