Why do i feel pain in my right chest

Medically Reviewed By Angelica Balingit, MD

— Written By Sarah Lewis, PharmD

Updated on July 26, 2022

Chest pain can be a symptom of a life threatening heart attack. However, right sided chest pain makes it less likely, but not impossible, to be a heart-related problem. Several organs and structures in the chest can trigger pain signals. Regardless, chest pain — even pain in the right side — needs an explanation and possibly a medical evaluation.

This article explains the possible causes of pain in the right side of the chest and when to contact a doctor.

What is pain in the right side of the chest?

The chest cavity contains many organs and structures, including the following:

• esophagus
• heart and great vessels, which are the aorta and vena cava
• lungs
• muscles, including the diaphragm
• pleura, which is a membrane lining the cavity
• ribs and breastbone (sternum)

Painful stimuli in any of these tissues can cause chest pain, including a sharp pain in the right side of the chest. Sometimes, the pain can radiate to other areas, such as the shoulder or abdomen.

Pain in the right side of the chest can have various descriptions, including the following:

• aching
• burning
• dull
• pressure
• sharp
• squeezing
• stabbing or poking
• tearing

The pain can be constant or fleeting. It may steadily get worse, or it may get better when you rest. Different positions may improve the pain or aggravate it. Also, it may only happen after eating or with deep breathing or coughing. These differences in nature and timing of right sided chest pain can be clues to its cause.

What other symptoms might occur with pain in the right side of the chest?

Depending on the cause of right sided chest pain, other symptoms can occur. These may include the following:

• anxiety
• cough or coughing up blood
• dizziness and fainting
• fever, chills, and fatigue
• gas, belching, and indigestion
• heart palpitations
• nausea and vomiting
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• swelling in the lower extremities
• weakness
• weight loss

What causes pain in the right side of the chest?

It is possible for heart problems to cause right sided chest pain. Heart problems are more likely when there is pain in the left or middle part of the chest. Ischemic chest pain may radiate to the right or left shoulder, the jaw, or the left arm. Otherwise, even sharp pain in the right side of the chest may be due to other conditions.

Common causes of pain in the right side of the chest include the following:

• chest wall disorders, such as:
  • costochondritis
  • herpes zoster, or shingles
  • rib fractures
• digestive disorders, including:
  • acid reflux and heartburn
  • esophageal spasms
  • gallbladder disease
  • peptic ulcer
• lung and pleural disorders, such as:
  • pleuritis or pleurisy
  • pneumonia
• psychological disorders, including:
  • anxiety
  • panic disorder or panic attacks

Potentially life threatening causes of right sided chest pain include the following:

• aortic dissection
• esophageal rupture
• heart attack
• pericarditis and myocarditis
• pneumothorax
• pulmonary embolism
• unstable angina

Chest pain that persists or recurs requires medical attention.

Chest pain is a common complaint and accounts for about 5% of emergency room visits. About one-third of these visits turn out to be something serious, such as a heart attack. The rest turn out to be non-life-threatening problems.

Because chest pain can be a sign of a life threatening problem, it needs a medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical care for right sided chest pain that is worsening, lasts longer than a few minutes, or continues despite resting.

You should also seek emergency care (call 911) for chest pain and the following symptoms of a heart attack:

• lightheadedness or fainting
• nausea or vomiting
• pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, shoulder, back, or arm
• shortness of breath
• sudden anxiety or a sense of doom
• sweating

Otherwise, contact your doctor for advice about your chest pain.

How do doctors diagnose the cause of pain in the right side of the chest?

To diagnose the cause of right sided chest pain, your doctor will take a medical history and perform an exam.

Questions your doctor may ask about your chest pain include the following:

• When did the pain start? What were you doing?
• Is the pain in one spot or all over?
• How long have you had the pain?
• How would you describe the pain?
• What, if anything, makes the pain better or worse?
• Does the pain radiate to other areas?
• How often do you get the pain, and how long does it last?
• What other symptoms are you having?
• What other medical conditions do you have?

The exam will focus on your heart, lungs, and abdomen. Depending on what your doctor finds, testing may be necessary. Tests may include the following:

• blood tests, including a complete blood count, a basic metabolic panel, and heart enzyme levels
• an electrocardiogram to check your heart’s rhythm
• imaging exams, such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound

The results may lead to more invasive testing or procedures, such as upper endoscopy or heart catheterization.

What are the treatments for pain in the right side of the chest?

The treatments for pain in the right side of the chest depend on the cause. Serious underlying causes may require hospitalization for treatment. For other causes, such as acid reflux, medications can help manage the symptoms.

What are the potential complications of pain in the right side of the chest?

Like the treatments, the potential complications of pain in the right side of the chest depend on the underlying cause. Sometimes, complications can be life threatening.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions that people often ask about pain in the right side of the chest.

What is on the right side of your chest? 

The right side of the chest cavity contains the right lung, part of the diaphragm, part of the pleural lining, and half of the ribcage with muscles and cartilage. 

What does right sided chest pain indicate?

There are several possible causes of right sided chest pain. For example, the pain can relate to the lungs, pleura, ribs, esophagus, or muscles. Sometimes, it indicates a problem with the heart or great vessels.

When should I be concerned about pain in the right side of my chest?

Chest pain is concerning when it is worsening, persistent, or unresponsive to rest. You should also be concerned if it occurs with other symptoms of a heart attack. Because some causes of chest pain are life threatening, it is best to be cautious and seek medical care.

Summary

Right sided chest pain has many causes. Often, it is not related to the heart. However, it is possible to feel pain from heart problems on the right side. This is especially true when the pain radiates to the right arm, shoulder, or back.

Your other symptoms and the timing and nature of the pain can offer clues to the cause. If you are in doubt about the cause of right sided chest pain, contact a doctor as soon as possible.