question: why do i seem to have pains in my chest region that can take my breath away. also when i eat salty food i get chest pains. i have had very painful feelings in the area where i know my heart to be in the central area of my chest slightly to the left, when this occurs it is hard to breath due to the pain cause when my chest cavity expands. i fear heart problems, i have experienced a cracking or popping sound form this area when i struggle through the pain to take a breath. this has maybe only occurred 10 or so times since i can remember.. any advice.