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What Causes Occasional Chest Pain In The Night?
For the last 4 months, about once or twice a month, and always while asleep, I have been having chest pain.
Every time, it has occurred between 2:30-4:00 am. It begins with pressure and within 5-10 minutes, the pressure turns into pain, almost like muscle cramp.
I haven't thought a lot about it until it happened back to back nights this week. It happened last night and I haven't felt quite right all day.
I am 46, 6'3"180lbs and in great physical condition.
Any ideas?
Every time, it has occurred between 2:30-4:00 am. It begins with pressure and within 5-10 minutes, the pressure turns into pain, almost like muscle cramp.
I haven't thought a lot about it until it happened back to back nights this week. It happened last night and I haven't felt quite right all day.
I am 46, 6'3"180lbs and in great physical condition.
Any ideas?
posted on
Sat, 6 Dec 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 12 Dec 2014
Answered on
Mon, 15 Dec 2014
Last reviewed on
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Chest pain can originate from any structure in the chest from the skin inwards. In addition to pain related to these structures, the other cause would be stress or anxiety.
Pain that occurs at rest however, is not likely related to the heart so this can be eliminated. Heart related pain tends to occur with activity and is then relieved by rest.
The most likely options would be pain related to the soft tissues (muscles and other soft tissue), bones, GERD (most common in night or early morning) or stress related pain.
You would need to visit your doctor for assessment to determine the cause.
I hope this helps
Chest pain can originate from any structure in the chest from the skin inwards. In addition to pain related to these structures, the other cause would be stress or anxiety.
Pain that occurs at rest however, is not likely related to the heart so this can be eliminated. Heart related pain tends to occur with activity and is then relieved by rest.
The most likely options would be pain related to the soft tissues (muscles and other soft tissue), bones, GERD (most common in night or early morning) or stress related pain.
You would need to visit your doctor for assessment to determine the cause.
I hope this helps
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