When should you see a doctor about chest pain?

Chest pain can come from the heart, lungs, digestive system, muscles, ribs, or stress-related changes. Angina and a heart attack can cause pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or discomfort rather than a sharp pain. Acid reflux, gastritis, or a peptic ulcer may cause burning or upper-abdominal discomfort. Lung problems such as pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism can hurt more when you breathe and may cause breathlessness or cough. The feeling alone cannot identify the cause.

Stop exertion and sit upright while you assess the symptom. If the pain is new, worsening, or unexplained, do not drive yourself; call local emergency services and follow their instructions. Note when it began, where it is located, whether it moves, what makes it better or worse, and any medicines already taken. Do not delay urgent assessment because the pain feels like indigestion.

Get emergency help immediately for chest pain with trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, cold sweating, marked weakness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Seek urgent medical advice for pain that returns with activity, follows an illness, or comes with fever or a new cough. Arrange a clinical appointment for recurring or mild pain even when it settles, particularly if you have heart or lung risk factors.

Ask what causes are being considered, whether you need an examination or tests, which warning signs should send you to emergency care, and whether activity, meals, medicines, or stress may be contributing.