When Do Chest Pains Warrant a Trip to the ER?

You’ve likely heard that if you have chest pain, you should head to the emergency room (ER) immediately. But is there ever a gray area? 

After all, chest pain doesn’t automatically mean you’re experiencing a heart attack. Various things can cause chest pain — some serious, some not. So when is it time to take action and seek emergency care?

Expert cardiologist Shahnaz Begum, MD, FACC, and the rest of our Heart Care team understand that chest pain is upsetting; however, a few telltale signs can help you determine whether a trip to the ER is necessary. 

Your chest pain is sudden and intense

Severe chest pain that seemingly happens out of nowhere is a common sign of a heart attack. This type of pain often feels crushing or heavy, making simple acts like breathing or moving comfortably challenging.

Your pain is spreading to other areas

If you have chest pain that radiates through your shoulders, neck, jaw, or left arm, seek immediate medical attention. This pain is another heart attack symptom often overlooked.

Heart attack pain usually spreads because the coronary artery that supplies oxygenated blood to your heart is blocked. When the blood can’t reach your heart muscle, it begins to die, causing pain extending beyond the chest.

You are struggling to breathe

Shortness of breath means your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. It’s a symptom of many serious health concerns, including:

• Heart attack
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Congestive heart failure

A thorough medical exam with diagnostic testing is crucial to diagnose the cause of shortness of breath and determine the appropriate treatment.

You feel sweaty, dizzy, and nauseous

Feeling lightheaded, breaking into a cold sweat, or suddenly feeling sick to your stomach can be your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. If you experience these symptoms along with chest pain, don’t wait — seek emergency care immediately. The combination of these symptoms could indicate a life-threatening condition that requires prompt attention.

Your chest pain is worse after exercise

Chest pain that worsens during or after physical activity can be angina, a condition where your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood due to narrowed arteries. It’s often a warning sign of an underlying heart problem, like coronary artery disease. If your chest pain intensifies with exertion and subsides with rest, you need a complete medical evaluation.

Chest pain isn’t always a sign that something serious is wrong, but you never want to risk your health by ignoring symptoms that could be life-threatening. 

If you’re unsure whether your chest pain warrants an ER visit, contact us at Heart Care in Frisco, Allen, Plano, and McKinney, Texas. Call us today or schedule an appointment online.