Medical conditions such as pleurisy and pericarditis usually cause a stabbing pain in the chest. However, this does not imply that a heart attack cannot cause the same.

The History of Heart Diseases

Atherosclerosis, a usual cause of heart attack, is not a modern-day disease. Ahmose Meryet Amon, an Egyptian princess, is believed to be the first person who had this condition. She lived about 3,500 years ago.Although chest pain is one of the most common signs of a heart attack, fortunately, it isn't in all cases. There are several other conditions that can cause chest pain. However, in such cases, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you have the slightest doubt that you may be having a heart attack, then do not hesitate to call 911 or seeking immediate medical help.

Pleurisy and Pericarditis
Most people suffering from pleurisy or pericarditis experience a chest pain, which they describe as stabbing and sharp.

Pleurisy
The pleura is a thin, moist double-layered membrane. One layer of this membrane lines the inside of the chest cavity, and the other layer envelopes the lungs. The space between the two layers is normally filled with a thin layer of fluid. This fluid lubricates the layers so that they can slide smoothly over each other, when the lungs expand and contract.

Certain factors may inflame the pleura, causing its two layers to rub against each other in such a way that it triggers a sharp, and stabbing pain in the chest. So, every time an affected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, he/she experiences the pain. This condition of the pleura is called pleurisy or pleuritis. Depending on the cause, besides the chest pain, pleurisy may also trigger the following symptoms:

• Dry cough
• Breathlessness
• Fever

Pericarditis
The heart is surrounded by a sac-like membrane called the pericardium. This membrane is two-layered, and normally, a lubricating fluid separates the two layers. The main job of the pericardium is to protect the heart from injury, help it pump without any friction, and help in keeping the heart muscles contained in the chest cavity.

Pericarditis refers to the inflammation and irritation of the pericardium. The acute form of this condition usually causes a stabbing chest pain. The pain is usually felt at the back of the breastbone or in the left side of the chest. As the pain also radiates to the left shoulder and neck, most people interpret it as an indication of a heart attack. Coughing, breathing deeply, swallowing food, or lying down worsens the pain. Depending on what has caused the condition, the patient may also experience the following symptoms:

• Swelling in the leg or abdominal region
• Dry cough
• Fever
• Nausea
• Labored breathing while lying down

Note that, the chest pain caused by pericarditis usually improves if the person sits up or leans forward.

Chest Pain Caused by A Heart Attack
Your chest pain may signal an impending heart attack if...

☛...it does not subside even after 15-20 minutes, nor with medication.

☛...it is accompanied by pressure or fullness in the chest region.

☛...it is followed by pain in your shoulders, arms, back, jaw, and teeth.

☛...it is preceded or followed by labored breathing.

☛...it is accompanied by extreme weakness, anxiety, feeling of being choked, rapid pulse, dizziness, and cold sweat.

☛...you are feeling as if the center of your chest is being squeezed, weighed down or getting tighter.

☛...you have been having continuous episodes of chest pain which begins with physical activity but subsides with rest.

☛...you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, or family members who have had heart attacks.

When it comes to symptoms such as chest pain, self-diagnosis and delaying in seeking medical help can land you in dangerous circumstances. So, if you are having an unexplained chest pain, be it sharp, stabbing, dull or squeezing, and if it lasts even for more than a minute, then treat it as a medical emergency and seek help.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.