Heart & Circulation
Chest Pain Symptoms — When to Call 911
2025-09-18
Intro
Chest pain can range from mild discomfort to a crushing sensation that signals a heart attack. Because the stakes are high, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution.
Key Points
- Call emergency services immediately if chest pain is severe, sudden, or associated with breathlessness, fainting, or sweating.
- Not all chest pain is from the heart — lungs, stomach, and muscles can also be involved.
- An ECG and blood tests are first-line hospital checks.
- Younger adults, especially women, can have heart attacks from causes other than blocked arteries.
🚨 Red Flags
- Sudden, severe, or crushing chest pain.
- Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, neck, or back.
- Associated shortness of breath, nausea, or fainting.
- Blue lips or collapse — call 911 immediately.
Background
Chest pain can arise from many sources:
- Heart-related: heart attack, angina, pericarditis.
- Lung-related: pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, pleurisy.
- Digestive: reflux, gallbladder disease.
- Musculoskeletal: costochondritis, strain.
- Other: anxiety, panic attacks, shingles.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- In the ER: ECG, troponin blood tests, chest X-ray.
- Hospital care: stents, medications, oxygen if needed.
- If non-cardiac: treat underlying cause (antacids, antibiotics, rest).
FAQ
Q: When is chest pain a medical emergency?
A: If chest pain is sudden, severe, crushing, or associated with shortness of breath, fainting, nausea, or sweating — call emergency services immediately.
Q: What are common non-cardiac causes of chest pain?
A: Heartburn, anxiety, muscle strain, lung infections, and even shingles can mimic chest pain.
Q: What tests might be done in the ER?
A: Doctors may order an ECG, blood tests (troponin), chest X-ray, or CT scan depending on the suspected cause.
Q: Can younger adults have serious chest pain?
A: Yes. While heart disease is more common with age, conditions like spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) or pulmonary embolism can occur in younger patients.
Further Reading
Related Guides
- Shortness of Breath — When to Seek Urgent Help
- Heart Palpitations: When to Worry
- Atrial Fibrillation
⚠️ Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always call emergency services if chest pain is sudden, severe, or unexplained.
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