Right Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms & When to Seek Help

Pain on the right side of your chest can be unsettling, especially when you are not sure what is causing it. It is completely natural to feel concerned, as chest pain often brings worries about your heart. 

In many cases, however, right-sided chest pain is linked to more common and manageable causes such as muscle strain, digestive issues, or lung-related conditions, and it may improve on its own.

That said, some symptoms do need medical attention. Understanding what right-sided chest pain can mean, what warning signs to watch for, and when to seek help can help you feel more confident and in control as you manage your symptoms.

What is right chest pain?

Right chest pain, or right-sided chest pain, is not a disease on its own. Instead, it is a way of describing discomfort, pressure, or soreness that you feel on the right side of your chest.

While the heart sits mostly on the left, the right side of your chest contains many other important structures, including your right lung, ribs, muscles, nerves, and nearby organs such as the liver and gallbladder just beneath the diaphragm. Any of these can be a source of pain.

The pain can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. You may notice:

• A sharp, stabbing sensation that worsens when you breathe in

• A dull ache or a feeling of heaviness

• A burning sensation rising up your chest

While this can sound overwhelming, paying attention to these sensations can help you and your healthcare provider better understand what may be causing your symptoms and guide you towards the right care and relief.

What are the potential causes and triggers?

When you experience right-sided chest pain, doctors do not look at just one symptom alone. 

Instead, they consider the whole picture, including:

• How the pain feels

• When it started

• Your symptoms 

It’s important to know that chest pain can come from many different parts of the body – and often from more than one system at the same time. By considering all of these factors together, healthcare professionals can better identify the cause and decide on the most appropriate care.

Musculoskeletal problems

Musculoskeletal chest pain refers to pain that comes from the structures of the chest wall rather than from the heart, lungs, or internal organs. As the chest wall is used in many everyday actions such as breathing or lifting, musculoskeletal causes are among the most common reasons for right-sided chest pain.

Musculoskeletal issues that could lead to right chest pain include:

• Muscle strain: 

  • Occurs when you lift heavy objects, cough heavily, or have a sudden awkward body twist.

  • Usually results in soreness that worsens when you move or press on the area.

• Rib fractures or bruising: 

  • A fall or impact to your chest can bruise or break a rib, causing sharp, intense pain.

• Costochondritis: 

  • This is the inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone.

  • It can feel like a heart attack but is actually a benign skeletal issue.

Musculoskeletal pain can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but it is usually not dangerous. It often comes from strained muscles, overworked joints, or minor muscle and tendon injuries, and these tend to settle on their own. With rest, gentle movement, and a bit of time, you can notice the pain getting better. 

Respiratory conditions

Your right lung takes up much of the space on the right side of your chest, so conditions affecting your lungs or their lining can cause pain in this area. 

Here are some respiratory issues that can cause right chest pain:

• Pulmonary embolism:

  • This is a serious condition where a blood clot suddenly blocks blood flow in your lungs.

  • Often causes sudden, sharp chest pain along with severe shortness of breath.

  • Symptoms can come on quickly and feel frightening.

  • This condition requires urgent medical attention.

• Pneumonia or pleurisy: 

  • Occur when your lungs or the lining around them become inflamed, often due to infection.

  • You may experience sharp chest pain that worsens when breathing deeply or coughing.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): 

  • If you live with long-term lung problems, you may have chest tightness or discomfort.

  • Symptoms often worsen during flare-ups, infections, or physical exertion.

• Pulmonary hypertension: 

  • Develops when pressure increases in the blood vessels supplying the lungs.

  • You may notice chest pressure, breathlessness, or unusual fatigue.

Chest pain related to respiratory conditions can be alarming, especially when it affects how easily you can breathe. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or worsening, it is important to seek urgent medical care. Getting checked early can help identify the cause and ensure you receive the right treatment and reassurance.

Digestive problems

It may be surprising, but your digestive system is a very common source of chest pain. Because the food pipe, stomach, and gallbladder sit close to the chest, problems in these areas can sometimes feel like chest or upper chest discomfort, which can understandably bring you concerns.

Some digestive problems that can lead to right chest pain include:

• Acid reflux and GORD:

  • Happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe.

  • You may feel a burning or tight sensation in the centre or right side of your chest.

  • Symptoms often worsen after meals, when lying down, or when bending forward.

• Gallstones:

  • Your gallbladder sits just beneath the right side of your rib cage.

  • Can trigger sudden, intense pain in your upper abdomen and may spread into your right chest, shoulder, or back.

Digestive-related chest pain can be uncomfortable, especially when it mimics heart or lung symptoms. The good news is that these conditions are common and you can usually keep them under control once identified. 

Cardiovascular concerns

Although chest pain on the right side is less commonly related to the heart, cardiac and blood vessel conditions cannot be completely ruled out. Cardiovascular causes are uncommon, but it is important to be aware of them, as some may need urgent medical care.

Cardiovascular problems that can cause right chest pain include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD):

  • Happens when blood flow to your heart is reduced or blocked.

  • Usually felt in the centre or left side and can spread to the right side.

  • Pain may feel heavy, tight, or pressure-like.

  • May come with breathlessness or fatigue.

• Aortic dissection:

  • This is a rare but life-threatening tear in the main artery leaving the heart.

  • Causes sudden, severe chest pain often described as tearing.

  • Pain often spreads to the back.

  • Requires immediate emergency care.

• Mitral valve prolapse:

  • This involves abnormal movement of one of the heart valves.

  • Can cause vague or unusual chest discomfort.

  • You may notice palpitations or fluttering.

  • Symptoms are unsettling but often harmless.

Although this type of chest pain can feel frightening, serious heart conditions rarely cause pain on the right side of the chest. 

Nerve irritation and anxiety

Not all chest pain comes from the heart or lungs. Sometimes, stress or irritated nerves can show up in your body as chest discomfort that feels just as uncomfortable and worrying. 

Nerve and anxiety issues linked to right chest pain include:

• Panic attacks:

  • Can trigger chest tightness or pain that comes on quickly.

  • You may notice a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

  • May feel similar to a heart attack.

  • Although frightening, panic-related chest pain is not dangerous.

• Shingles and nerve pain:

  • Shingles is a viral infection that affects the nerves.

  • Can cause sharp, burning pain along the ribs or chest wall

  • Pain often appears before a visible rash develops.

  • Early treatment can help reduce discomfort and complications.

Because right-sided chest pain can have many causes, it is not always possible to tell the exact causes on your own. 

By identifying the underlying cause, your doctor can guide the right treatment and explain what is happening and what steps to take next. This can help you feel more reassured and confident.

What to do if you have right chest pain?

For many people, chest pain caused by muscle strain or mild indigestion settles on its own or improves with simple measures at home. The challenge is knowing when the pain is likely harmless and when it may need closer attention.

You may not be able to relieve the pain immediately, but there are steps you can take to stay comfortable while paying attention to how the symptoms behave:

• Rest and observe:

  • If the pain starts after lifting, exercise, or a sudden movement, pause what you are doing and allow your body to rest. 

  • If the discomfort eases as you rest, it is often linked to muscles or joints.

• Change position:

  • Notice whether the pain changes when you sit, lean forward, or lie down. 

  • Pain that changes with movement or posture is more likely related to muscles, joints, or the heart lining than a blocked artery. 

• Check your vitals:

  • If you have access to a home monitor, check your blood pressure and heart rate.

  • Very high readings or a consistently fast pulse alongside chest pain are worth taking seriously.

• Consider digestion:

  • If the pain feels like burning and starts after eating, take an antacid if acid reflux is the cause.

Chest pain often improves with time and simple care, but it can still leave you feeling unsure. Paying attention to how the pain behaves can help you understand whether it is settling or needs closer attention. If it does not improve and starts to worry you, having it checked can help rule out anything serious and guide what to do next.

What are the differences between the pains?

Not all chest pain feels the same, and paying attention to how your pain behaves can offer useful clues. Noticing the type of sensation, where it is located, and your symptoms can help you and your doctor better understand what may be causing it.

Because different organs can create similar feelings in the chest, it is not always possible to work this out on your own. Speak to your doctor so they can perform diagnostic tests to give you a better understanding of your condition. 

How is right chest pain diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of your pain, doctors will look at your symptoms, check your medical history (such as a history of high blood pressure or heart disease), and perform a physical examination.

They will listen to your heart and lungs to check for irregular rhythms or reduced blood flow.

They may also use the following tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the electrical activity of your heart and rule out a heart attack or rhythm disorders

• Chest X-ray to look for lung problems like pneumonia, collapsed lung, or rib fractures

• Blood tests to check for signs of heart muscle damage and screen for blood clots or a pulmonary embolism

• Pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lungs work, usually used to assess conditions like COPD in non-urgent situations 

Your doctor uses this information to build a clearer picture of what is causing your pain and whether it needs treatment. In many cases, the results explain the symptoms and help rule out serious problems. This makes it easier to decide on the next steps and focus on helping you feel better. 

How to manage right chest pain?

If your doctor confirms that your pain is not life-threatening, you can often manage it effectively at home.

• If the cause is musculoskeletal:

  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity that aggravates the muscle and tendon injuries

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers or topical gels to soothe inflammation

  • Apply ice packs for recent injuries to reduce swelling, or heat pads for older muscle aches

• If the cause is digestive:

  • Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods that trigger acid reflux

  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated to prevent acid from rising

• If the cause is respiratory:

  • Drink plenty of water to help clear thick phlegm from your chest

  • Take slow, gentle breaths to stop your chest feeling tight, but do not take deep breaths if they hurt

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may also prescribe medical treatments to help with the symptoms, including:

• Blood thinners if a small blood clot is suspected or to reduce future blood-clot risk

• Antibiotics to treat bacterial chest infections 

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for severe acid reflux

Treatment depends on what is causing the pain. If your doctor suspects a heart-related cause, they will manage this closely, as cardiac chest pain may need urgent medical care and should not be treated at home.

Knowing the cause of your chest pain helps make it more manageable and less uncertain. With the right approach, many people find their symptoms gradually improve and become easier to control. If anything changes or the pain does not settle as expected, your doctor can help adjust the plan so you stay supported throughout recovery.

When to seek urgent medical care

Most episodes of chest pain turn out to be non-cardiac, but there are times when you should not wait it out. Cardiac arrest and pulmonary embolism are emergencies where every minute counts.

Seek medical support immediately if you notice:

• Pain that feels like crushing, squeezing, or extreme tightness

• Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, back, or left arm

• Sudden, severe shortness of breath or difficulty speaking

• Profuse sweating, turning pale or blue, or coughing up blood

• Sudden dizziness, fainting, or confusion

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not try to manage them at home. These warning signs can indicate a medical emergency, and acting quickly can make a critical difference. Getting help straight away ensures you receive urgent assessment and treatment when it matters most. 

FAQ

Is right-sided chest pain ever a heart attack? 

Heart attacks usually cause pain in the centre or left side of the chest, but in some people the pain can be felt on the right. This is more likely in women, older adults, or people with diabetes. Although it is uncommon for right-sided pain to be the only symptom, chest pain accompanied by nausea, sweating, or shortness of breath should be taken seriously.

Can gas cause sharp chest pain? 

Yes. If gas becomes trapped in your intestines, it can cause sharp, stabbing pain that may rise into your chest. On the right side, this often happens near the area under your ribs. You may notice the pain eases after belching or passing gas.

What is the difference between a muscle strain and lung pain? 

Muscle strain usually feels worse when you move your upper body, twist, or press on the sore area. Lung-related pain often feels sharper when you take a deep breath or cough, but it does not usually worsen when you press on your chest.

Can anxiety cause right chest pain? 

Yes. Anxiety and panic can cause your chest muscles to tighten, which may lead to pain or discomfort. Breathing too quickly during anxiety can also trigger chest wall pain or tingling sensations, even though nothing is physically wrong with your heart.

Does high blood pressure cause chest pain? 

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms at all, which is why it is sometimes called the “silent killer”. However, if your blood pressure becomes very high or puts strain on your heart or lungs, it can sometimes lead to chest pain.

What if the pain moves to my back? 

Pain that spreads through to your back can have different causes. In rare cases, sudden and severe tearing pain may point to a serious condition such as an aortic dissection. More commonly, pain that moves to the back is related to the gallbladder or muscles. Sudden, intense pain should always be taken seriously.

The information is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.