Chest pain is one of the most common reasons why individuals seek medical attention in emergency departments.

Chest pain can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from mild to severe, including heart attack, angina, pulmonary embolism, pericarditis, acid reflux, and many more. People who experience chest pain need to take their symptoms seriously, especially when accompanied by certain warning signs and symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss when chest pain needs your attention and when it’s okay to wait.

Types of Chest Pain

Before we discuss when chest pain needs attention, it’s important to understand that not all chest pain is the same. Chest pain can feel different for every individual, with varying pain levels, durations, and locations.

For instance, some people may experience sharp, stabbing chest pain, while others may feel a dull, heavy pressure in their chest. Some of the types of chest pain include:.

• Cardiac pain: Cardiac pain is often described as a squeezing or burning sensation in the chest. It can also radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back. Cardiac pain is usually brought on by exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest.
• Non-cardiac pain: Non-cardiac pain can feel like a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache. It’s usually caused by conditions such as acid reflux, inflammation of the chest wall, or psychological stress.
• Pleuritic pain: Pleuritic pain is a sharp pain that worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, or sneezing. It’s usually caused by inflammation of the lining of the lungs or chest wall.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While not all chest pain is an emergency, if you experience chest pain along with any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:.

• Tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in the chest
• Breathlessness or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating or clammy skin
• Pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• A sense of impending doom

If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Related Article Chest pain: Causes and implications

Other Signs That Chest Pain Needs Attention

In addition to the previous symptoms, there are several other signs and conditions that may indicate that chest pain requires medical attention:.

• Chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes: If you experience chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes, it may indicate that you’re experiencing a heart attack. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Pain that gets worse: If your chest pain is getting worse over time, it may indicate a more serious condition. Seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis.
• Chest pain accompanied by high fever: If you’re experiencing chest pain along with a high fever, it may indicate pneumonia, which requires antibiotics. Seek medical attention if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath: If you’re experiencing shortness of breath along with chest pain, it may indicate that you’re having a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Seek medical attention immediately.
• History of heart disease: If you have a history of heart disease or have had a heart attack in the past, it’s important to seek medical attention for any chest pain you may experience.

When Chest Pain Is Not an Emergency

In some cases, chest pain may not be a medical emergency, and a visit to your doctor may be sufficient. Chest pain that is not an emergency may include:.

• Chest pain that disappears quickly: If your chest pain goes away within a few seconds or minutes, it’s likely not a medical emergency and may be due to muscle strain or a pulled muscle.
• Chest pain caused by acid reflux: If you experience chest pain that occurs after eating and is accompanied by heartburn or regurgitation, it may be due to acid reflux. A visit to your doctor or Gastroenterologist may be in order to determine the best course of treatment.
• Chest pain that’s relieved by over-the-counter medication: If your chest pain is relieved by over-the-counter pain medication like aspirin or ibuprofen and is not accompanied by any other symptoms, it may be due to muscle strain or a pulled muscle.

Preventing Chest Pain

There are several steps you can take to prevent chest pain and reduce your risk of heart disease. These include:.

• Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Getting regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall health

Conclusion

Chest pain can be frightening, but it’s important to understand when it’s a medical emergency and when it’s not. If you’re experiencing chest pain along with any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

If you’re still unsure about your chest pain, it’s always better to err on the safe side and make an appointment with your doctor.