Causes of Chest Pain Across Organ Systems

An Overview of Potential Causes for Chest Pain Across Various Organ Systems 

1. Cardiovascular Causes

• Heart: Angina, heart attack, pericarditis, myocarditis.
• Vessels: Pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, hypertensive crises.

2. Respiratory Causes

• Lungs: Pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, lung cancer.
• Airways: Tracheobronchitis, asthma exacerbation.

3. Gastrointestinal Causes

• Esophagus: GERD, esophageal spasm, rupture.
• Stomach/Duodenum: Peptic ulcers.
• Gallbladder: Biliary colic, cholecystitis.

4. Musculoskeletal Causes

• Rib fractures, costochondritis, muscle strain, thoracic radiculopathy.

5. Neurological and Psychogenic Causes

• Nerves: Shingles, thoracic nerve irritation.
• Psychogenic: Anxiety, panic attacks.

6. Breast and Chest Wall

• Breast infections, muscle strain, fibromyalgia.

7. Other Causes

• Mediastinitis, diaphragmatic irritation.

 Accurate assessment using history, physical exams, and investigations like ECG or imaging is vital to determine the cause and guide treatment.