Definitions

Chest pain

When to make a doctor’s appointment

Make an appointment to see a doctor if:

• Associated with activity
• Worsens over time and interferes with daily activity
• Interferes with sleep

Self-care

Self-care options include lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, losing weight, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking.

When to make a doctor's appointment

Make an appointment to see a doctor if:

• Associated with activity
• Worsens over time and interferes with daily activity
• Interferes with sleep

Description

Pain in the chest that can have various causes. Chest pain should be checked by a healthcare professional right away.

When to seek immediate medical care

Seek emergency help for:

• Chest pain that's new or has no clear cause.
• Pressure, fullness, burning or tightness in the chest.
• Crushing or burning pain in the chest that spreads to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and one or both arms.
• Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, gets worse, or goes away and comes back.
• Chest pain with shortness of breath, cold sweats, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting or racing heartbeats.