Upper chest pain can be caused by a number of different conditions, such as a heart attack, a hiatal hernia, or pericarditis. Upper chest pain could also be caused by conditions such as a panic attack or broken ribs. Coronary artery disease could also lead to upper chest pain.

One of the most common causes of upper chest pain is a heart attack. Heart attacks are one of the most dangerous medical conditions an individual could experience. Generally, this feels like a heavy pain in the upper left chest and left arm. Many individuals who have experienced a heart attack say it feels like a great deal of weight is sitting on their chest. Individuals who believe they are having a heart attack should seek medical attention immediately.

Another condition that could lead to upper chest pain is a hiatal hernia. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach starts to come up into the chest. This can be a very painful experience and in order to fix it, the individual will need surgery.

Pericarditis is another condition which could lead to this symptom. Pericarditis is a condition which results in the swelling of the sac surrounding the heart. Many times, this can be caused by a virus and it will go away on its own. Pain relievers or other medication could be prescribed by a doctor for this condition.

Many individuals also suffer from regular panic attacks. When this happens, the individual could experience a great deal of chest pain. Many people who experience panic attacks believe they are going to die or are having a heart attack. The treatment for this condition can vary from seeking counseling to taking prescription drugs.

Broken ribs are another common cause of upper chest pain. This is usually caused by the individual being hit in the chest by something or by falling. When the ribs crack, they have to heal on their own and this can take several weeks. During the healing process, the broken ribs can cause a great deal of pain.

Many males over the age of 50 also suffer from coronary artery disease. This is a condition caused by plaque buildup inside the arteries over the years. When this occurs, it can lead to chest pain and shortness of breath. This condition is usually treated with lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgery.