Chest pain can be alarming—and for good reason. While some causes are minor, others, such as a heart attack, require immediate emergency care. Understanding what to do when chest pain occurs can be critical to saving a life, including your own.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe chest pain

  • Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes without explanation

  • Severe pain in the upper back, neck, or stomach

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness

  • Swelling in one leg (possible blood clot)

  • Stroke-like symptoms: vision changes, slurred speech, facial drooping, or weakness on one side of the body

Even if symptoms seem unclear, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent life-threatening outcomes.

Common Causes of Chest Pain and Symptoms

Chest pain may come from several different causes, ranging from mild muscle strain to life-threatening cardiac events. Below are some of the most common culprits and how to identify them.

Heart Attack

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain, pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest

  • Pain spreading to the shoulder, neck, back, arm, jaw, or upper abdomen

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Cold sweat

  • Fatigue

  • Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

  • A sensation similar to heartburn

Women may experience more subtle symptoms, such as back pain, nausea, or jaw pain—sometimes without classic chest pain.

First aid for a suspected heart attack

  • Call 911 immediately

  • Take aspirin if a healthcare provider has instructed you to do so

  • Take prescribed nitroglycerin if available

  • Start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing

  • Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available

Angina

Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Symptoms:

  • Pressure or tightness in the chest

  • A squeezing or heavy feeling

  • Discomfort that typically lasts less than 5 minutes and improves with rest or medication

Pneumonia With Pleurisy

Pneumonia is a lung infection, and pleurisy is inflammation of the lung lining. Together, they can cause chest pain that mimics cardiac issues.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing

  • Fever and chills

  • Cough with possibly bloody or foul-smelling mucus

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp, stabbing chest pain

  • Pain that worsens when lying down, coughing, or taking a deep breath

  • May feel better when sitting up or leaning forward

Chest Wall Pain (Muscle Or Rib Pain)

Chest wall pain is usually due to muscle strain, inflammation, or minor injury.

Symptoms:

  • Pain when pressing on the chest

  • Pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing

  • Tenderness in the rib or breastbone area

Treatment for Chest Pain

Treatment depends entirely on the cause:

  • Heart attack: emergency response, medication, possible surgery

  • Angina: rest, nitroglycerin, long-term heart care

  • Pneumonia or pleurisy: antibiotics, pain relievers

  • Pericarditis: anti-inflammatory medications

  • Muscle pain: rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relief

Never try to diagnose chest pain on your own.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if:

  • You experience new chest pain

  • The pain is unusual, persistent, or worsening

  • You have other unexplained symptoms

  • You’ve had previous heart issues and feel something is off