Chest Pain: When Is It an Emergency?

Chest pain can be serious or harmless. Learn when chest pain is an emergency and when to seek urgent medical help.

Chest pain should never be ignored. While not all chest pain is dangerous, some causes are life-threatening.

Chest pain that feels tight, heavy, squeezing, or crushing, especially if it spreads to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, may indicate a heart attack. Associated symptoms like sweating, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath increase the risk.

Pain that worsens with deep breathing or movement may be muscular, but this should still be assessed if severe or sudden.

Call emergency services immediately if chest pain:

Lasts more than 5 minutes Occurs at rest Comes with breathlessness or collapse Happens in someone with diabetes or heart disease

Do not delay:

Early treatment saves heart muscle and lives.