Chest Pain in Adults

Common Causes

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — Acid from the stomach may flow back into the esophagus, causing burning pain, often due to diet, stress, or obesity in adults.
• Heart attack or angina — Blocked heart arteries might reduce blood flow, leading to pressure-like pain, more common in adults with risk factors like smoking or high cholesterol.
• Muscle strain or costochondritis — Overuse or injury to chest muscles or cartilage inflammation could cause sharp pain that worsens with movement.
• Panic attack — Sudden intense fear might trigger chest tightness, common in stressed adults.
• Pulmonary embolism — A blood clot in the lungs may block blood flow, causing sudden sharp pain, especially after long immobility.

Learn More

For a full overview of this symptom, including home remedies and when to see a doctor, read our complete guide on Chest Pain.