Chest Pain Locations in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) often presents with chest pain located behind the sternum, which is the central bone of the ribcage or slightly to the left. This area is medically referred to as the precordial region. However, not all patients experience pain in this classic location.

Atypical Pain Symptoms in Coronary Heart Disease

Some individuals may initially experience discomfort in unusual areas such as the jaw or teeth, which can be misleading. Others might feel pain radiating to the left shoulder, back, or even the fingers. These are known as referred pains and occur due to the complex network of nerve pathways that carry signals from the heart and other body regions to the brain.

Right-sided and Abdominal Pain Misdiagnosis Risks

Importantly, chest discomfort in CHD patients may also appear on the right side of the chest or just below the xiphoid process, a small bony extension at the lower part of the sternum. In such cases, symptoms can mimic gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and vomiting, which may lead to misdiagnosis if not properly evaluated.

Recognizing Hidden Signs of Heart Attack

This non-specific presentation can delay treatment, especially when digestive symptoms are the primary complaint. However, in many cases, an electrocardiogram (ECG) performed after these gastrointestinal signs can reveal that the underlying condition is actually an acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack. Therefore, it's crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and consider cardiac causes even when symptoms seem unrelated.