Chest Pain in African Adults: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Home Remedies

By: Elizabeth Obigwe, B.Sc. Anatomy. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by: Michelle Abrebese, MD.

 

A young African woman in a green polka dot gown resting in a hospital bed with a medical monitor and an IV drip. Image credit: Freepik. 

 

Highlights

• Chest pain has many possible causes, so treatment depends on the underlying condition.
• Treatment of chest pain includes medications, surgery and lifestyle modifications.
• Healthy habits can prevent many cases of chest pain, especially those related to heart disease.
• Some mild chest pain may go away on its own, but serious causes need medical care.

 

Introduction

Chest pain is a clinical symptom, not a diagnosis. It can arise from a wide range of underlying causes involving various organ systems, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and even psychological systems. Due to this, there is no single treatment that applies to all cases of chest pain. The treatment provided by a healthcare provider will depend on the underlying cause of the symptom.

Your healthcare provider will tailor diagnostic tests and treatments based on your specific clinical presentation.

This article will explain the common diagnostic approaches used to identify the cause of chest pain, outline potential treatment options, and highlight simple self-care measures that may help relieve mild or non-emergency chest discomfort at home. 

 

Related: Chest Pain in African Adults: Causes, Symptoms and When to Seek Help

 

How is Chest Pain Diagnosed?

So, your chest starts hurting—and naturally, you head to the doctor or hospital, wondering: Is it serious? The short answer? Maybe…

When you present to your doctor or hospital with chest pain, the initial priority is to determine whether the pain is due to a life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack, blood clots in the lung, burst of the biggest artery in the body (aorta), or buildup of air in the space (pleura cavity) between the tissue covering the outer surface of your lungs and the tissue covering the inside of your chest wall (tension pneumothorax). 

Although not all chest pain is an indication of a serious problem, your physician must aim to promptly rule it out or treat it. This helps to ensure that your case is not life-threatening before taking the time to find out what is particularly responsible for your chest pain.  

After determining that your condition is not a life-threatening condition, your doctor will ask about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and run some tests appropriate for making a diagnosis. [1, 2]

If you are in a life-threatening condition, your doctor will first make efforts to resolve some of your urgent symptoms before seeking to obtain a history from you or someone who accompanied you to the clinic or hospital. Following this, your doctor will perform a physical examination and order some diagnostic tests to establish the cause of your life-threatening chest pain.

History

Whether your chest pain is mild or potentially serious, your doctor will start by taking a detailed medical history. You may be asked many questions about the pain, such as when did the pain begin? And what were you doing at the start of the pain (running or just sitting down)? Also, other symptoms, including the day and time it started, the location of the pain, the duration and intensity of the pain and more. Your physician may also ask about your family and past medical history, any medications you may be taking, other treatments, etc.

Physical Examination

A physical examination will include checking your vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, temperature), checking all the systems of your body (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and others etc.). Your doctor will pay particular attention to your chest and observe for breathing distress and pattern, use a listening device (stethoscope) to listen to your breath and heart sounds. In addition to listening to the heart and lungs, your doctor will touch and press your chest wall carefully, feeling for areas of pain and chest wall abnormalities. Your doctor will also tap gently on your chest wall in different places to check for pain and sounds arising from the tap. 

The findings from a thorough physical examination will provide your doctor with some insight about the possible cause or causes of your chest pain and what diagnostic tests to order  

Diagnostic tests

• Imaging (Including Chest X-ray or Chest CT Scan)

Imagine this like a peak behind the curtain.  A chest X-ray or chest CT scan is like taking a picture of the organs in your chest. A variable amount of radiation is used, and you can stand or lie still for this test. The test will show an image of your lungs, heart, and bones within the chest region. It helps spot problems like lung infections (e.g. pneumonia), collapsed lungs, enlarged heart, broken ribs, or fluid around the lungs. The CT scan shows superior images compared to the chest X-ray

• Blood Tests

Your blood can tell a story. There are special substances found in your blood that can rise when your heart or other organs are in trouble. These are called biomarkers. They can show signs of a heart attack, inflammation, or damage to the heart muscle. One key marker is troponin, which rises if there’s heart injury. Your healthcare provider will need to take a small sample of blood from your vein for a laboratory test.

• Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG)

This is a quick and painless test that checks the electrical activity of your heart. Small sticky patches called electrodes are placed on your chest, and sometimes arms and legs. These detect the heart's electrical signals and show them as lines on a screen or paper. It can show if you are having a heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or other heart problems that may be causing chest pain.

Other Tests

Depending on the result from the tests above, your physician may also perform any of the further tests detailed below if the resources are available in your community: [2]

• Echocardiography

This is an ultrasound of the heart. A small device is moved over your chest, and it uses sound waves to create moving images of your heart. It shows how well your heart is beating, how the valves are working, and if there’s any damage or fluid buildup.

• Stress Echocardiography  

Simply known as "stress test." This is an echocardiogram performed after exercise to assess how your heart functions under pressure. This helps identify hidden heart problems that only become apparent when the heart is working harder. If you cannot exercise, your doctor may give you medicines that make your heart beat faster, like during exercise.

• Radionuclide (PET or SPECT) Scans

For this test, a small amount of radioactive material is administered either by injection into the vein or ingestion. This material then emits rays that are detected by a special camera, causing it to capture images of your heart. It shows how blood flows through the heart muscle. It can help detect areas with poor blood flow.

• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)

This is a special type of X-ray that uses contrast dye to take detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels. It clearly shows if the arteries supplying the heart are narrowed or blocked

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures. It does not use radiation. It gives a clear view of the heart’s structure, helping to diagnose damage, inflammation, or heart muscle problems.

 

Treatment and Home Remedies for Chest Pain

The treatment for chest pain varies depending on the underlying cause. While some cases are mild and may respond to simple remedies, others may require prescription drugs or even surgical procedures.

I. Treatment for Heart-related Causes of Chest Pain 

Below are some medications [3] and procedures for chest pain caused by a heart problem. Keep in mind that there are other options not discussed here that your doctor may recommend.

Medications

• Aspirin: Helps prevent blood clots from forming and keeps blood flowing through narrowed arteries. A doctor gives it if they suspect a heart attack or blocked arteries. It can also be used if an inflammation is suspected.

• Nitroglycerin: It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which eases chest pain by allowing more blood to reach the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is used for both angina chest pain treatment and prevention.

• Beta-blockers: Help by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure, reducing the heart’s workload and preventing further strain.

• ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors: Often prescribed to lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump blood, particularly in people with heart failure or after a heart attack.

• Statins: Used to lower cholesterol levels, which helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and reduces the risk of future heart problems.

• Thrombolytics: Powerful medications that break up clots that are blocking blood flow to the heart. It is used in emergency cases like a heart attack caused by a blocked artery.

• Blood thinners: E.g. heparin or warfarin, are given to prevent new clots from forming and to stop existing ones from growing, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Procedures

• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Also known as Angioplasty. This involves using a small balloon to open up a blocked artery. A tiny mesh tube (stent) is often placed afterwards to keep the artery open, thereby improving blood flow [4].

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): This is a type of heart surgery where a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to create a new path around a blocked artery. This allows blood to reach the heart muscle better [4].

II. Treatment for Non-Heart-related Causes of Chest Pain

Chest pain not related to the heart may originate from any of the many organs in the body. The recommended treatment will depend on the specific cause. Below are some common medications [5] and procedures your physician may recommend:

Medications 

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications reduce stomach acid. A doctor may recommend them if the chest pain is caused by acid reflux or ulcers.

• Antacids: They provide quick relief by neutralising stomach acid. They're often used for chest pain linked to indigestion or heartburn.

• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen): They help reduce pain and inflammation. They may be used if the chest pain is due to muscle or joint issues, like costochondritis.

• Antidepressants: Can help manage chest pain related to anxiety or stress, especially when no physical heart problem is found.

Procedures

• Laparoscopic Fundoplication: A surgery done through small cuts in the belly to wrap the top of the stomach around the lower oesophagus. It is performed when severe GERD is diagnosed as the cause of your chest pain and PPI doesn't work well to treat your pain adequately, or GERD keeps recurring following medication use. [5]

• Lung Reflation: Used when part of the lung collapses (pneumothorax). A tube is placed to remove trapped air, allowing the lung to expand again.

Psychological Treatment

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that helps people manage negative thoughts and stress. It is helpful when chest pain is linked to anxiety, panic attacks, or stress.

• Hypnotherapy: Uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help manage pain and stress. It may be used for chest pain that has no clear physical cause [5].

III. Home Remedies for Chest Pain

The following home remedies may be used in the self-care of mild chest pain without additional symptoms that may suggest a serious underlying cause. It is advised that you call and speak with or see your doctor before starting any home remedies for chest pain.

• Cold compress

Muscle strain is a common cause of chest pain. In such cases, applying a cold compress can help relieve the discomfort. You can use ice, a frozen towel, or even a bag of frozen vegetables, but always wrap it in a cloth or plastic bag before placing it on your skin. Cold helps by numbing the area and reducing inflammation. Just be sure to take breaks between applications and don’t leave it on too long, as the cold reduces blood flow by narrowing the blood vessels.

• Hot drinks

Chest pain caused by gas or bloating can often be eased by drinking something warm. Hot liquids help improve digestion and reduce trapped gas, making them effective for chest pain treatment at home in such cases. A popular option is hibiscus tea, made from “Zobo” “Sobolo”, or “Bissap” leaves, as it is commonly called in some parts of Africa. In addition to aiding digestion, hibiscus tea may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, supporting overall heart health.  

• Painkillers

If the chest pain is mild and not due to a serious underlying cause, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort. However, it’s important to consult a doctor first to exclude any serious underlying conditions. If the pain continues, make sure to see your doctor.   

• Lifestyle modifications

The following lifestyle changes, when combined with other treatment options, can help improve outcomes. [5, 6, 7]:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy
• Abstain from tobacco and excessive alcohol use
• Lose weight if necessary
• For heart-related causes, check and control blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose [6]. 
• For GERD-related causes, elevate the head of the bed, avoid coffee, fresh citrus juice, and other foods and medications that can worsen reflux [5]. 

 

Potential Complications

Chest pain is not a disease on its own; it is a symptom that can sometimes point to a serious health issue. Because it can have many different causes, the risk of complications depends on what’s behind the pain. For example, heart-related chest pain, if left unchecked, could lead to a heart attack, heart failure or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). That is why it’s important to see a doctor to exclude any life-threatening conditions.

 

Summary

The diagnosis and treatment of chest pain are usually tailored to each person’s specific condition. Treatment often includes medications to relieve the pain and other symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may be needed. Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes can also support recovery and improve overall health in appropriate cases.

Always seek medical help if you have chest pain, especially if it’s severe, or it persists longer than five minutes when additional signs and symptoms may suggest a life-threatening cause, or it’s your first time experiencing it.

 

FAQs

• Is Chest Pain Preventable?

Yes, in many cases. Healthy habits like not smoking, exercising, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes can greatly reduce your risk of chest pain caused by heart problems and other diseases.

• Can chest pain go away on its own?

Some types can. Chest pain from muscle strain, indigestion, or anxiety often goes away without treatment. But chest pain from more serious problems like heart or lung-related conditions usually requires medical attention.

• What is the first aid for chest pain?

Call emergency services or take the person to the hospital immediately, especially if it is sudden and severe. If you suspect a heart attack, they can chew an aspirin if they’re not allergic. If they become unresponsive, start CPR. See how to perform CPR.

 

References:

1. Sabatine MS, Cannon CP. Approach to the patient with chest pain. In: Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders. 2012:1076-86. Available from here.

2. Coté AP, Hodes JL, Voccia R. Low-risk chest pain: What is the evidence? Physician Assist Clin. 2017;2(3):537–56. doi:10.1016/j.cpha.2017.02.015 Available from here.

3. Ng IKS, Chia YW, See KC, Teo DBS. Approach to acute chest pain and acute coronary syndrome in adults. Singapore Medical Journal. 2024;65(2):111–118. doi.org/10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2023-039. Available from here.

4. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Angina (Chest Pain), Treatment. [Internet]. Last updated July 10 2023. [Cited 19 Jun 2025]. Available from here. 

5. Schey R, Villarreal A, Fass R. Noncardiac chest pain: current treatment. Gastroenterology & hepatology. 2007; 3(4):255–262. Available from here.

6. Ferraro R, Latina JM, Alfaddagh A. et al. Evaluation and Management of Patients With Stable Angina: Beyond the Ischemia Paradigm. JACC State-of-the-Art Review. 2020;76(19):2252–2266. doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.08.078. Available from here.

7. Rushton S, Carman MJ. Chest pain: If it is not the heart, what is it? Nurs Clin North Am. 2018;53(3):421–31. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2018.04.009. Available from here.

 

 

Related

Chest Pain in African Adults: Causes, Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Attack in Africa

Chest Infection in African Children

 

 

Published: July 1, 2025

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