There can be many different reasons for chest pain. Some issues require no treatment and will stop after a certain period of time while other issues can actually be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Individuals who are experiencing chest pain should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. This is especially important if the chest pain is accompanied by awkward sensations in the arms, shoulders, neck or jaw. Many of the causes for chest pain are due to problems with blood flow to and from the heart. Arrhythmia is a condition can cause chest pain because the arteries around the heart have narrowed due to plaque. This pain can potentially indicate that a heart attack is starting. Angina causes a similar type of chest pain and is due to constriction of the arteries. Angina can sometimes occur naturally after exercise or other activities and does not always need treatment. Nitroglycerin is the most common medication that is prescribed for these conditions if they are not markers of an immediate heart attack or other coronary event. Nitroglycerin relieves the pain by allowing more oxygen into the heart. Some of the causes of chest pain can be related to problems with the lungs. A pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs, can cause severe chest pains that can potentially result in a heart attack or stroke. Infections of the lungs like pneumonia or pleurisy can result in severe burning and pain. It is also possible that lung cancer can be the source of chest pains. These conditions must be addressed immediately. There are a number of reasons for chest pain that might not be related to any life-threatening disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is essentially severe heartburn that can trigger pain across the chest. A fractured or broken rib can make breathing very difficult and can contribute to pains across the torso. It is even possible that poor posture, overexertion and fatigue can make the muscles in the chest sore so that pain is felt. Any type of chest pain should be taken very seriously. Sharp and sudden pains, pains accompanied by disorientation or changes in breathing can be indicators that a stroke or heart attack could occur because of a lack of oxygen to the brain or heart.