What Causes Pressure Sensation In The Chest?

Posted on Thu, 27 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 Answered on

Wed, 17 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : It feels like something heavy is sitting on my chest, I feel pressure from my throat to my stomach

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Chest pain/pressure can be worrying but at your age at least heart attack is highly unlikely unless you have a strong family history of heart disease or you have a personal history of heart disease.

If you do have a strong personal or family history of heart disease then you should be seen.
If you have other concerning symptoms allow with the chest pressure/pain such as shortness of breath, palpitations, then you should also be assessed.
If the pain is very severe, then you should be assessed
This assessment should include physical examination, blood tests and EKG.

There are other causes such as : (1) costochondritis which is inflammation involving the sternum. There would be tenderness when pressing on the sternum.
Treated with anti inflammatory pain killers such as ibuprofen, naproxen or cataflam
(2)spasm/contraction of the muscles of the esophagus
(3)reflux
(4)diseases of the lungs can also cause this discomfort
(5)anxiety or stress

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar