Symptom guide
Chest pain
Chest pain can come from the heart, lungs, muscles, or digestive system. Some causes are life-threatening and need emergency care within minutes. Any new, severe, or persistent chest pain should be taken seriously.
When to seek emergency care
- Crushing, squeezing, or heavy chest pain lasting more than a few minutes.
- Chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or left arm.
- Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness.
- Chest pain after recent surgery, long travel, or a leg that is painful and swollen (possible blood clot).
- Chest pain with fainting.
Safe self-care at home
- Only if you are confident the pain is muscular or from a known condition: rest, gentle stretching, and paracetamol may help.
- Avoid heavy meals if the pain seems related to reflux.
- Do not drive yourself to the hospital if you suspect a heart attack — call emergency services.
When to see a clinician
- ANY new severe chest pain — call your local emergency number now.
- Chest pain with any of the red flags above.
- Recurring chest pain even if mild, over several days.
Frequently asked questions
Is chest pain always a heart attack?
No. Chest pain has many causes — muscle strain, acid reflux, anxiety, lung conditions, and more. But because heart attacks can present subtly, any new or severe chest pain should be evaluated urgently.
What does a heart attack feel like?
Classic symptoms include heavy, squeezing chest pressure lasting more than a few minutes, often radiating to the arm or jaw, with sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath. Women, older adults, and people with diabetes may have more subtle symptoms.
Can anxiety cause real chest pain?
Yes. Panic attacks commonly cause sharp, tight chest pain with shortness of breath and tingling. But because the symptoms can mimic cardiac causes, a first episode should still be evaluated by a clinician.
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Ask about chest painThis page is general patient education aligned with WHO, CDC, and NHS public guidance. It is not a diagnosis, prescription, or substitute for care from a licensed clinician. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or you are in doubt, contact a healthcare provider or your local emergency number immediately.