Chest pain and nausea can be linked to common activities like eating, drinking, and stress. While some people may immediately think chest pain and nausea are a sign of heart attack, these symptoms may be more often linked to caffeine overdose, heartburn, and GERD. Other causes of chest pain and nausea may include peptic ulcer, gastritis, and heart attack.

Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic found in coffee, chocolate, and some herbal remedies. It is common for the average coffee drinker to consume about 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine every day. Caffeine overdose occurs when too much caffeine is consumed in a short period of time, and can lead to chest pain and nausea. Commonly called caffeine or coffee jitters, symptoms typically fade away within a few hours.

Heartburn is another common cause of chest pain and nausea. It is a form of digestive disorder that may cause burning, pain, and difficulty swallowing. The stomach is most often located just behind the sternum at the lower midline of the rib cage. Therefore, when pain arises, it can feel similar to a heart attack.

GERD, or gastrointestinal reflux disease occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus. Some people suffer from heartburn with GERD, while others suffer only from GERD. When stomach acids move into the throat, burning, chest pain, and nausea may occur. GERD is caused by Helicobactor pylori or H. pylori bacterium. Tests may be ordered to detect this, so proper treatment can be prescribed.

A peptic ulcer may occur when the stomach lining, or first segment of the small intestine, erodes. Doctors believe these ulcers are caused by certain medications or bacterial infections. A peptic ulcer is often compared to an open sore inside the stomach. The sore can cause chest pain and nausea, as well as internal bleeding.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that may be linked to alcoholism. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or aspirin, may also cause gastritis. Symptoms of this condition usually include unexplained nausea, chest pain, and indigestion.

Many possible causes of chest pain and nausea mirror symptoms of heart attack. When heart attack is treated within the first 20 to 40 minutes, heart muscle can be preserved without damage in most cases. Early warning signs of heart attack include chest pain and nausea, which can be confusing. When in doubt, doctors recommend heading to a nearby emergency room or calling emergency services.