The CDC estimates every 40 seconds, a heart attack strikes an American. It further estimates that about 800 000 Americans have a heart attack, with about 600,000 experiencing it for the first time. A heart attack usually poses a serious health risk and is life-threatening because it results from a blockage of the artery that conveys blood and oxygen to the heart. However, you may experience chest pain Port Saint Lucie without having the risk of a heart attack. In one study reported by the Cleveland Clinic, only about 6% of patients who go to clinics for chest pain emergency care usually have heart attacks.
Subsequently, below are potential reasons you may experience chest pain that appears and worsens when lying down.
- Pericarditis
The pericardium is a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and protects your heart and also assists it in functioning properly.
Moreover, the sac surrounding the heart helps cover and protect the roots of the primary blood vessels extending from your heart.
The pericardium may get irritated and swell, which causes a medical condition called pericarditis.
Pericarditis often causes sharp chest pain, which worsens when sleeping or lying down. The symptoms improve when you sit down or lean forward.
- Myocarditis
Collectively referred to as the myocardium, the muscles of your heart promote the contraction and relaxation of the heart’s walls. That is essential for the heart to receive and pump blood throughout the body.
The heart muscles may also be inflamed, which weakens them and makes it challenging to receive and pump blood normally.
The National Organization for Rare Diseases reports that one of the potential causes of myocarditis is COVID-19 or any other viral infections.
- Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs because stomach acid repeatedly goes back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that allows the passage of food and liquid from your mouth to the stomach.
Many Americans experience heartburn occasionally, especially because of overeating, like during Thanksgiving. The National Institutes of Health reports that about 20% of Americans have GERD, the chronic version of heartburn.
When you have acute or severe heartburn and lie down, you make it easier for the acid in your stomach to move into the esophagus, especially because there is no resistance from gravity.
- Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a blood clot blocks one or more arteries in your lungs. Hence, part of your lung does not receive sufficient blood flow. Since your lung receives inadequate oxygen and other nutrients, it can get damaged gradually without treatment.
Blood clotting in the arteries often begins in the legs before reaching the heart’s right side and lungs.
- Aortic dissection
The aorta is the main artery that transports oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to every part of your body.
Sometimes, the aorta can tear. And the blood gushing through the aortic tear can lead to the dissection of the aorta, which can be life-threatening without immediate treatment.
Contact TLC Medical Group Inc today and schedule an appointment with a specialist in chest pain and learn more about the cause of your condition.
