Rintakipu

Rintakipu means chest pain and is a common symptom with many possible causes. It is not a disease in itself. Some causes are urgent and life‑threatening, others are harmless or temporary.

Causes include cardiac conditions such as angina and myocardial infarction; lung conditions such as pulmonary embolism or pneumonia; gastrointestinal issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or esophageal spasm; musculoskeletal problems such as costochondritis; and anxiety or panic disorders.

Chest pain may be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, or fainting, and pain may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, or back. Women, older people and those with diabetes may have atypical presentations where the pain is mild or not centered in the chest.

Red flags require urgent evaluation: severe, crushing chest pain; pain lasting more than a few minutes or recurring; chest pain with trouble breathing, fainting, or confusion. In suspected heart attack or other life‑threatening conditions, contact emergency services immediately.

Diagnosis typically starts with history and physical exam, followed by tests such as an electrocardiogram and blood tests for heart injury (troponin). Additional imaging or stress tests may be used to determine the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and may range from urgent interventions to management of non-cardiac causes. Controlling risk factors for heart disease can help prevent rintakipu.