Emergencies

When to Seek Emergency Help for Chest Pain

How to tell if chest pain is an emergency and the actions to take right away.

2 min read

When to Seek Emergency Help for Chest Pain

Chest pain can be harmless (muscle strain, heartburn) or a sign of something serious. Use this guide to decide when to act fast.

Red flags — call emergency services now

  • Pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the center of the chest lasting >5–10 minutes
  • Pain spreading to arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulders
  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
  • Chest pain at rest or waking you from sleep
  • New chest pain in people with heart disease, diabetes, or risk factors (smoking, high BP, high cholesterol)
  • Chest pain with fainting or severe weakness

Possible causes (not exhaustive)

  • Heart: heart attack (myocardial infarction), angina, pericarditis
  • Lungs: pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, pneumonia
  • GI/muscle: reflux/heartburn, esophageal spasm, costochondritis, muscle strain

What to do while waiting for help

  • Rest; do not drive yourself
  • If not allergic and no contraindications, chew 1 adult aspirin (300–325 mg)
  • Keep a list of medicines and allergies handy

When it’s probably not urgent

  • Brief, sharp pain that worsens with touch or twisting and goes away quickly
  • Reproducible muscle tenderness after activity

Even then, discuss with a clinician if it keeps returning.

FAQ

Is heart pain always severe?
No—many heart attacks feel like pressure, not stabbing pain.

If symptoms improve, can I skip care?
No—get checked; symptoms can wax and wane.

Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice.