Noncardiac chest pain: where does it start?

The pathogenesis of recurrent noncardiac chest pain remains an enigma. The literature suggests that it may be caused by a heightened state of visceral nociperception. Coronary atherosclerosis must first be excluded with a reasonable degree of certainty. The physician can then focus on reassuring the patient and continuing management, bearing in mind the caveat, first do no harm. Polypharmacy and hazardous procedures should be avoided. Aggressive acid suppression is helpful in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and antidepressants have shown promise in otherwise unexplained cases of chest pain. Despite significant morbidity in patients with the disorder, the long-term prognosis is excellent.