What is chest pain

Because chest pain can indicate a serious problem, it's important to seek immediate medical help. Chest pain can cause many different sensations depending on what's triggering the symptom. Often, the cause has nothing to do with the heart — though there's no easy way to tell without seeing a health care provider.

Although chest pain is often associated with heart disease, many people with heart disease say they have a vague discomfort that isn't necessarily identified as pain. In general, chest discomfort related to a heart attack or another heart problem may be described by or associated with one or more of the following:. It can be difficult to distinguish heart-related chest pain from other types of chest pain.

However, chest pain that is less likely due to a heart problem is more often associated with:. The classic symptoms of heartburn — a painful, burning sensation behind the breastbone — can be caused by problems with the heart or the stomach.

If you have new or unexplained chest pain or think you're having a heart attack, call or emergency medical assistance immediately. Don't ignore the symptoms of a heart attack. If you can't get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if you have no other option. Some types of chest pain are associated with injuries and other problems affecting the structures that make up the chest wall, including:.

Chest pain care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. If it's unstable, you may need emergency medical treatment to try to prevent a heart attack.

Your health care professional will most likely perform a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and ask about your risk factors for and your family history of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Your health care professional will also ask you a series of questions to rule out the most critical or life-threatening possibilities.

Think ahead so you can provide as much information as possible. Here are some questions you might be asked:. Print our Angina Log to keep track of your angina symptoms. If your health care professional thinks that you have unstable angina or that your angina is related to a serious heart condition, they may recommend the following tests and procedures:. These treatments will help reduce pain and discomfort and how often the angina pain occurs.

They will also prevent or lower your risk for heart attack and death by treating the underlying cardiovascular condition you may have.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Heart Attack. About Heart Attacks. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Angina Chest Pain.

Diagnosing a Heart Attack. Treatment of a Heart Attack. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain With chest pain, every minute counts. The faster you get to hospital for treatment, the better. If any activity brings on chest pain, follow these steps: 1. Stop what you are doing and rest immediately. Talk — tell someone how you feel. If you take angina medication: Wait 5 minutes. If you still have symptoms — take another dose of your medicine. Wait 5 minutes. Call and chew on mg aspirin if available.

Ask for an ambulance. Remember, if you have any doubt about your pain, call an ambulance anyway. Diagnosis of chest pain Before medical treatment can begin, the cause of the pain must be found. You may a have a lot of tests done including: Electrocardiogram ECG — electrical tracing of the heart activity. Blood tests — to measure markers from the heart and other organs. Chest x-ray — to look at the lungs, heart and major blood vessels of the chest.

Recovering from chest pain If your doctor has ruled out serious causes of chest pain, it is likely you will make a full recovery. In the first few days at home, try to take it easy. Rest if you feel tired. Slowly increase your activity, as you are able. There is no need to limit work or strenuous activity including sex if you feel well.

Follow up with your local doctor GP when recommended by your treating doctor. Reduce your risk of heart attack Ways to reduce your risk of heart attack include: Try to cut down or quit smoking — call Quitline on 13 78 48 to help you stop smoking and feel healthy again. Be physically active — on most, if not all days of the week. Eating a variety of healthy foods — with plenty of wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins and fats.

Watch your weight — keep a healthy weight by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. See your doctor for a heart health check to assess your risk of having a heart attack at least every two years.

If you are at higher risk, more frequently is recommended. Take your medication as directed. Heart attack warning signs resources , Heart Foundation, Australia. Heart health checks , Heart Foundation, Australia. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all heart. Related information. Support groups Chest Pain. From other websites Dietitians Association of Australia.

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