Jaw pain can be a significant symptom of a heart attack, although discomfort most often relates to non-cardiac issues. Recognizing this potential connection is important because heart attack symptoms are not always the dramatic chest-clutching pain often seen in media. For many, particularly women, jaw pain may be the primary or only noticeable symptom. This information explores the scientific reason behind this connection and provides characteristics to help distinguish between cardiac and non-cardiac jaw pain.
Understanding Referred Pain as a Cause
The scientific explanation for jaw pain during a heart attack involves a neurological phenomenon known as referred pain. Referred pain occurs when the brain incorrectly interprets pain signals originating from an internal organ as coming from a different, often distant, part of the body. This confusion happens because the sensory nerves from the heart and the sensory nerves from areas like the jaw, neck, and arm share common pathways as they enter the spinal cord and travel up to the brain.
The nerves responsible for relaying pain from the heart converge with nerves that transmit sensation from the jaw and face. When the heart muscle suffers damage due to a lack of blood flow, these shared neural pathways become activated. The brain receives the signals but cannot pinpoint the exact origin, leading it to project the pain onto a more common location, such as the jaw. This mechanism explains why approximately four out of ten people experiencing a heart attack report pain in the orofacial region.
Characteristics of Heart Attack Jaw Pain
Jaw pain associated with a heart attack has specific qualities that can help distinguish it from other types of discomfort. This pain is often described as a dull ache, pressure, or tightness, rather than the sharp, stabbing pain typical of a dental issue. The discomfort may feel like a bad toothache that affects the whole jawline or even the teeth, but without an obvious dental cause.
While heart-related jaw pain can occur on both sides, it is often isolated to the lower left side of the jaw. The pain may not be confined solely to the jaw but can radiate or spread to other parts of the upper body, such as the neck, back, or one or both arms. This discomfort frequently begins or worsens during periods of physical exertion or emotional stress as the heart works harder.
The presence of jaw pain as a primary symptom is particularly relevant for women, who are less likely to experience the classic, severe chest pain associated with a heart attack. For this demographic, jaw pain may occur with other less obvious symptoms, including unusual fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath. Cardiac-related jaw pain may occur even in the absence of any chest pain or discomfort.
Other Common Causes of Jaw Discomfort
Jaw pain is a common symptom of several conditions not related to the heart. The most frequent non-cardiac cause is a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. TMJ issues often cause pain when chewing, a clicking or popping sound in the joint, and limited jaw movement.
Dental problems are another significant source of discomfort, including tooth cavities, abscesses, and gum disease. Pain from these issues is usually localized and responds to specific dental treatments. Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching, especially during sleep, can also lead to jaw muscle strain and subsequent pain.
Seeking Emergency Medical Care
If new or unusual jaw pain is suspected to be related to a heart attack, the immediate response must be to seek emergency medical attention. Every minute matters when blood flow to the heart is compromised, making prompt action necessary to preserve heart muscle. Do not attempt to drive yourself or have a non-emergency individual drive you to the hospital.
The correct procedure is to immediately call emergency services, such as 911 or the local equivalent. Clearly describe all symptoms to the dispatcher, specifically mentioning the jaw pain and any accompanying symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, the person should sit or lie down and rest to minimize strain on the heart. If not allergic, chewing and swallowing a 300mg aspirin tablet, which helps thin the blood, may be advised by the emergency operator.