What is nocturnal chest pain?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an understanding of nocturnal chest pain. Nocturnal chest pain refers to chest discomfort or pain that occurs during the night. This type of pain can be caused by various conditions, including, but not limited to, heart-related issues. One specific cardiac condition where nocturnal chest pain is more common is coronary vasospasm, also known as Prinzmetal's angina. This occurs when there is a temporary narrowing of the coronary arteries due to a spasm, which can lead to chest pain that may feel similar to the pain experienced during a heart attack. It's important to note that nocturnal chest pain can also be a symptom of other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation or pain that can sometimes be mistaken for cardiac pain. The key to diagnosing the cause of nocturnal chest pain is through a thorough medical evaluation, which may include a detailed patient history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, or imaging studies.

Nocturnal (nonexertional) chest pain is not common in patients with cardiac disease, but in cases of coronary vasospasm or Prinzmetal angina, symptoms often occur at night and can clearly mimic reflux esophagitis.