Why Chest Pain Sometimes Feels Worse When You Lie Down

Imagine you’re doing chores on a beautiful weekend. You begin to feel some tightness in your chest and lie down for a few minutes until it passes. However, the pain only gets worse. 

At Heart & Vascular Institute, our expert clinicians recommend a visit if you have unexplained chest pain because so many conditions can cause it. A condition that can cause chest pain and that gets worse when you lie down is pericarditis. 

Angina

Angina is the medical term for chest pain. It’s not a condition but a symptom of some other problem. If you have chest pain, you have angina. 

Not all angina is the same. Here are some types of angina:

• Stable angina usually occurs with physical work but passes quickly
• Unstable angina happens suddenly, often while at rest
• Microvascular angina lasts more than 15-20 minutes
• Prinzmetal angina occurs at rest and is painful due to artery spasm
• Refractory angina is a long-term issue and doesn’t get better with medication

Most forms of angina respond to treatment, but get care from a specialist, who can diagnose the underlying problem causing the pain. 

Pericarditis 

A thin tissue called the pericardium surrounds your heart. This sac-like structure can become inflamed, a condition called pericarditis. The inflamed layers of the pericardium may rub against each other and cause chest pain. 

You may have mild pericarditis that goes away without treatment or more serious problems that require treatment ranging from medication to surgery. Early treatment usually results in less severe symptoms. 

One of the signifiers that your angina results from pericarditis is that the pain eases when you sit up and lean forward. Most people describe pericarditis pain as sharp and stabbing, and it usually is located in the middle or on the left side of the chest. 

Causes of pericarditis

Pericarditis has several potential causes. It can be due to a virus, bacteria, fungus, or other type of infection. It may also be due to a heart attack, heart surgery, radiation, or medication. 

The most effective and appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause. Often, it’s unknown, maybe a virus that’s never identified. 

Don’t take chances with your heart

Since some of the causes of angina are life-threatening, you should see a specialist if you’re experiencing chest pain. 

Heart & Vascular Institute has five locations, in Dearborn, Detroit, Southfield, Wayne, and Allen Park, Michigan. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today at the location nearest you.