PRACTICAL HEALTH · SYMPTOMS
❤️ Chest pain
Chest pain has many possible causes, some of which are emergencies. New or unexplained chest pain should not be self-diagnosed.
What should you notice?
- Pressure, squeezing, burning, sharp or other pain.
- Whether pain spreads to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating, nausea, dizziness or fainting.
- Whether symptoms are new, severe or unexplained.
Possible causes
These are examples, not a diagnosis. The same symptom can have many different causes.
- Heart-related conditions.
- Lung conditions.
- Digestive causes such as reflux.
- Muscle or chest-wall pain.
- Other causes that require clinical assessment.
What can you do initially?
- Do not assume new chest discomfort is indigestion.
- Stop exertion and seek appropriate medical assessment.
- Follow an existing emergency plan only if it was previously provided by your healthcare professional.
🚨 Warning signs
- Call 911 for new, severe or unexplained chest pain or pressure, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, fainting or pain spreading to another area.
- Do not drive yourself when emergency symptoms are present.
If you believe the situation is life-threatening, call 911 in the United States.
Medical sources
Medical review: September 2026.
Educational information: This page provides general health information. It does not establish a diagnosis, prescribe treatment or replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.