Chest pain when lying down can be a symptom of problems with the heart, respiratory system, or digestive system. It is a good idea for a person to contact a healthcare professional if they experience this.
Chest pain can be a symptom of several potentially life threatening conditions, but other causes may not be so serious. Some common conditions that can cause chest pain include:
- angina
- pericarditis
- chest or lung infection
- anxiety
This article covers the possible causes of chest pain when lying down, their symptoms, treatments, and when to contact a doctor.

Heart failure occurs when the heart
Symptoms
People with heart failure
- chest pain
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- lightheadedness
- fluid retention, particularly in the legs and lungs
Treatment
Heart failure treatment
Lifestyle changes include:
- maintaining a moderate weight
- eating a balanced diet
- stopping smoking
- getting moderate exercise
Medications
- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- beta-blockers
- diuretics
- hydralazine with nitrate
- sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder
Symptoms
Common symptoms of GERD include:
- acid regurgitation (re-tasting your food after eating)
- chest pain
- difficulty or pain when swallowing
- heartburn
- chronic and recurrent cough
- excessive saliva production
- chronic sore throat
A person with GERD may also experience worse symptoms when lying down too soon after eating.
Treatment
The treatment of GERD usually aims to address symptoms and prevent complications. This often includes lifestyle changes in addition to medication.
Lifestyle changes include:
- maintaining a moderate weight
- maintaining good sleep hygiene
- reducing alcohol consumption
- not lying down within 2–3 hours of eating
- elevating the head of the bed 6–8 inches
Medications
- over-the-counter antacids
- histamine (H2) receptor antagonists (H2 blockers)
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- prokinetic agents
Surgical interventions include:
- laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication
- laparoscopic anterior 180-degree fundoplication
- bariatric surgery
Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions characterized by excessive and persistent fear or worry. Anxiety disorders share similar symptoms, although symptoms for specific disorders also differ.
Symptoms
An individual with an anxiety disorder may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- restlessness or irritability
- fatigue
- feelings of apprehension or dread
- shortness of breath
- racing heart
- headaches and muscle aches
- insomnia
- difficulty controlling feelings of worry
People who experience panic disorder, an anxiety disorder that causes panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror, may also experience:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- heart palpitations
- dizziness
- stomach upset
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack.
Learn more about symptoms and causes of anxiety and chest pain.
Treatment
Treatment options for anxiety disorders differ based on the type. However, some common types of treatment include:
- psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- medications, including antianxiety medications and antidepressants
- lifestyle modifications, including stress management and relaxation techniques
Costochondritis is inflammation of the costal cartilage — the cartilage that joins the ribs to the sternum. It
Symptoms
People with costochondritis
Since chest pain is the primary symptom of costochondritis, healthcare professionals will exclude other conditions by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. On examination, doctors can reproduce the pain by applying direct pressure to the chest wall.
Learn more about sharp stabbing pains in the chest that come and go.
Treatment
Costochondritis may resolve on its own in some cases. Otherwise, a person
In more
Angina is a type of chest pain
Angina is not usually life threatening. However, it can be a warning sign of a stroke or heart attack.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of angina
- chest pain
- pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the chest
- potential referred pain in the jaw or left arm
These symptoms may be accompanied by:
Treatment
The treatment of angina is
Treatment options include medications and lifestyle modifications.
Medications may include:
- nitroglycerin
- beta-blockers
- calcium blockers
- ranolazine
Lifestyle modifications can include:
- maintaining a moderate weight
- reducing alcohol consumption
- quitting smoking
- managing other chronic conditions
A healthcare professional
Pericarditis is the swelling and inflammation of the pericardial sac — a thin tissue
Symptoms
Common symptoms of pericarditis
- a central, sharp chest pain
- pain that feels worse when breathing deeply and is improved by sitting up and leaning forward
- pain that may radiate to the neck and shoulders
Pericarditis can be a symptom of other conditions, such as an infection. Thus, other symptoms may accompany the condition,
Treatment
There are several treatment options for pericarditis, depending on the cause of the condition and its severity. The most common ones include the
- colchicine
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen
- steroids
- antibiotics, if an infection is causing pericarditis
In more severe cases, an individual may undergo surgery to treat pericarditis.
Other possible and less common causes of chest pain include:
muscle strain panic attack injury to the ribs - injury to the chest area in general
esophagitis hiatal hernia
It is best to seek medical help if chest pain comes on suddenly and with little to no relief from anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Some signs to seek emergency medical care include:
- pain radiating to the back, neck, and jaw
- pain lasting more than 15 minutes
- the chest feeling tight and heavy
- feeling nauseous and vomiting
- excessive sweating
- having blue lips or fingertips
These symptoms could indicate that a person is having a heart attack, so it is important to seek medical care immediately.
Learn more about recognizing the signs of a heart attack and what to do.
Chest pain when lying down can be a symptom of various conditions. Usually, accompanying symptoms and a checkup by a healthcare professional can provide more information on why an individual may be experiencing chest pain.
Most causes of chest pain are not life threatening, but a person with chest pain should seek urgent medical attention to rule out serious health issues, particularly if the pain radiates to other parts of the body and they have trouble breathing.