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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.

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Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice.