Angina and other causes of chest pain

Dear Ask The Doctor: Several times I have experienced chest pain that radiates up my neck and into my jaw. I have been into emergency 3 times to have this checked as it is quite debilitating when it happens. It lasts from 15-30 minutes. I have been told that it is acid reflux, but I don't think it is. All tests have been done at the hospital; including a stress test. I find it very scary when it happens. If it is not angina, then what else would cause this pain in these locations?

Dear Anna: Chest pain with radiation could be due to a number of causes. A heart problem like an angina and a reflux problem being the most common causes of the same. However the other causes can include chest wall muscular problems, costochondritis ( inflamation along the rib joints), herpes virus, esophageal spasms etc. In your case it could be esopahgeal spasms that may be leading to the symptoms. You can have further testing done for the same. I would still repeat a stress test and definately rule out a cardiac cause. All the best.