Chest pain can come from the heart, lungs, muscles, stomach, or anxiety—but some patterns are emergencies.
Call 911 now if you have
- Chest pressure/squeezing/fullness or pain that lasts more than a few minutes or returns
- Pain radiating to arm, jaw, neck, back, or stomach
- Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness
- New stroke signs (face droop, arm weakness, speech trouble)
- Fainting or severe weakness
Book a visit soon if
- Recurrent chest discomfort with exertion
- Palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, new fatigue
- Risk factors: diabetes, smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, strong family history
Common non-emergency causes
- Acid reflux/GERD
- Costochondritis (tender chest wall)
- Muscle strain
- Anxiety/panic (still worth evaluation if new)
What we may do
- History + exam; Ordering EKG and labs when appropriate; risk-based next steps.
Next step
More resources: Heart & Circulation. If symptoms are concerning, do not drive yourself—call 911. Otherwise, book promptly for evaluation.
Last reviewed: Dec 28, 2025