5. Non-cardiac Chest Pain: The Heart’s Impersonator
When chest pain strikes, the first thought many have is a cardiac issue. But not all chest discomfort is heart-related.
Nutcracker esophagus introduces another player into the mix, complicating matters further. This non-cardiac chest pain can be as severe as any heart-related pain, leading many to the emergency room.
Telling non-cardiac chest pain from a genuine cardiac event is challenging. The pain experienced with nutcracker esophagus can be sharp, intense, and frightening. However, its episodic nature, combined with certain triggers like food or stress, often gives away its true identity.
Beyond the physical discomfort, there’s an emotional aspect to deal with. The repeated panic, the anxiety of the next pain episode, the frustration of misdiagnosis, and the challenge of explaining it to loved ones can be mentally exhausting. (5)
