Chest Pain

What is it?

Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits and primary care consultations. While most chest pain is not cardiac, it is critical to rule out serious causes first. Cardiac chest pain (angina, heart attack) is typically described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing — often radiating to the arm, jaw, or back — and may be triggered by exertion. Non-cardiac causes include GERD, musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, pleuritis, and pulmonary embolism. A thorough history, ECG, and biomarkers (troponin) guide the evaluation.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1ANY chest pain that is new, severe, or accompanied by shortness of breath — call 911
• 2Chest pressure or tightness with radiation to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
• 3Chest pain with sweating, nausea, or a sense of doom
• 4Rapid heart rate, palpitations, or near-fainting with chest discomfort
• 5Chest pain after a long flight or period of immobility (possible clot)
• 6Chest pain in anyone with known heart disease, diabetes, or high cardiovascular risk

What you can do

• ✓If you suspect a heart attack: chew 325 mg aspirin immediately and call 911
• ✓For known GERD-related chest pain: avoid trigger foods, elevate the head of your bed
• ✓For musculoskeletal chest pain: rest, ice, and NSAIDs typically help
• ✓Practice stress management for anxiety-related chest tightness
• ✓Do not ignore chest pain or assume it is minor without medical evaluation

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions