Chest pain

Definitions

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.