Results for: Chest Pain
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
20 Possible Conditions
These conditions are listed by likelihood based on the symptom. This is not a diagnosis.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle causing tissue damage.
Angina Pectoris
Chest discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart, often triggered by exertion.
Pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, causing sharp pain that may improve when leaning forward.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, producing a burning chest pain often after meals.
Costochondritis
Inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum, leading to localized chest tenderness.
Pulmonary Embolism
A blood clot lodged in a pulmonary artery causing sudden, sharp chest pain and shortness of breath.
Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
Air leaks into the space between lung and chest wall, producing sudden unilateral chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia
Infection of the lung tissue that can cause pleuritic chest pain, fever, and cough.
Aortic Dissection
A tear in the inner wall of the aorta leading to severe, tearing chest pain that may radiate to the back.
Esophageal Spasm
Irregular, painful contractions of the esophagus that mimic heart-related chest pain.
Panic Attack / Anxiety
Acute episodes of intense fear can cause tight, pressure-like chest pain accompanied by rapid heartbeat.
Musculoskeletal Chest Wall Strain
Overuse or injury of chest wall muscles leading to soreness that worsens with movement.
Pleuritis (Pleurisy)
Inflammation of the pleural lining causing sharp pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing.
Stable Angina
Predictable chest discomfort during exertion that resolves with rest or nitroglycerin.
Unstable Angina
Chest pain at rest or with minimal exertion, indicating a high risk of heart attack.
Coronary Artery Spasm (Prinzmetal Angina)
Transient coronary artery narrowing causing brief episodes of chest pain, often at night.
Hiatal Hernia
Protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm, leading to reflux‑related chest discomfort.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes that can cause a dull, aching chest pain with cough.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Compression of nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib causing chest and arm pain.
Sternal Fracture
Break in the breastbone, usually from trauma, resulting in localized, severe chest pain.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many conditions can be managed with home care or a doctor's visit, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if:
Heart-Related
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Brain-Related
Severe headache, confusion, or sudden vision changes
High Fever
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or fever with stiff neck
Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding or coughing up blood
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, CDC, NIH