Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: The most common cardiac cause of chest pain/discomfort is coronary artery disease producing cardiac ischemia. This condition is usually called angina. Ischemia that persists for more than 5 minutes can indicate a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Thus, chest pain/discomfort lasting for 5 minutes or longer could be due to a heart attack. Other cardiovascular causes producing chest pain include aortic aneurysm and pericarditis.
Some causes related to other disorders: Numerous non-cardiac conditions can produce chest pain/discomfort, including heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems, problems with the ribcage or chest muscles, or problems with the lungs or lining of the lungs.
Significance: While many causes of chest pain are entirely benign, because chest pain can indicate serious cardiac disease, this condition should always be evaluated by a physician. Any unusual chest pain or discomfort that persists for 5 minutes or longer should be evaluated acutely, especially in people middle-aged or older who have risk factors for coronary artery disease.
