Published on Nov. 1, 2018
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people age 15 and older visit the emergency department. In fact, millions of emergency department visits occur each year because of chest pain concerns.
Because many people associate heart attacks with sudden, severe chest pain, they often seek immediate medical attention when symptoms arise. However, severe chest pain occurs in only about half of all heart attack cases.
A 2005 survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that while 92% of respondents recognized chest pain as a heart attack symptom, only 27% knew all the major warning signs and understood the importance of calling 9-1-1 during a heart attack.
Chest pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Heart attack
- Angina
- Panic attack
- Heartburn
Knowing the difference could save your life—or the life of someone you love.
When Is Chest Pain an Emergency?
The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center encourages everyone to learn the common warning signs of a heart attack. Understanding the symptoms can help you act quickly when every second counts.
Heart Attack: Know the Warning Signs
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle becomes blocked, often due to coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD develops when plaque—a waxy substance made of cholesterol deposits—builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Over time, plaque buildup narrows the arteries and limits the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart. This process, called atherosclerosis, can eventually cause part of the heart muscle to become severely damaged or die, resulting in a heart attack.
Common Heart Attack Symptoms
Watch for these major warning signs:
- Chest pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes
- Pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest
- Pain or discomfort in the:
- Jaw
- Neck
- Back
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Women may experience additional symptoms that are often less recognized, including:
- Heart palpitations or a rapid pulse
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Gray facial color
- Indigestion
- Unexplained weakness
- Fatigue
- Shoulder blade pain
- Jaw pain
- Changes in migraine patterns or migraine with aura
A Heart Attack Is a Medical Emergency
If you think you may be having a heart attack, it is important to call 9-1-1 right away so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Do not:
- Drive yourself to the hospital
- Wait for a friend or family member to take you
Instead, call emergency services and have an ambulance transport you to a designated cardiac receiving center.
MemorialCare Designated Cardiac Receiving Centers
Angina: A Warning Sign You Shouldn't Ignore
Angina pectoris is another symptom of coronary artery disease. It occurs when the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.
Angina may feel like:
- Chest pressure
- Chest squeezing
- Pain in the shoulders
- Pain in the arms
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain
- Back pain
Think of angina as your body's warning signal that your heart is not getting enough blood flow.
Stable Angina
Stable angina is the most common form of angina and is often predictable. It typically occurs during:
- Physical activity
- Emotional stress
- Periods of intense emotion
The good news is that stable angina generally improves with rest and proper medical treatment. Unlike a heart attack, it does not permanently damage the heart muscle.
Unstable Angina
Chest pain that develops unexpectedly or occurs while you are resting may be a sign of unstable angina, also known as acute coronary syndrome.
This condition is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often due to narrowing arteries from plaque buildup. Because unstable angina may signal an impending heart attack, it requires immediate medical attention.
If you experience sudden, severe chest pain, seek emergency care immediately.
Panic Attacks: When Anxiety Mimics a Heart Attack
Panic attacks can be frightening because their symptoms often resemble those of a heart attack.
Many people experience at least one panic attack during their lifetime. While there is no single medical cause, panic attacks are often linked to:
- Significant stress
- Traumatic experiences
- Sudden life changes
One key difference is timing. Panic attacks usually appear without warning and often peak within 10 minutes, while heart attack symptoms may develop more gradually and last longer.
Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or faintness
- Feelings of intense fear
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or face
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Chills or hot flashes
- Trembling or shaking
Heartburn: A Common Cause of Chest Discomfort
Heartburn is a non-cardiac form of chest pain caused when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates its lining.
It can be triggered by:
- Certain foods
- Alcohol
- Pregnancy
- Some medications
Most occasional heartburn can be relieved with over-the-counter medications.
Common Signs of Heartburn
- A sharp, burning sensation below the breastbone or ribs
- Chest discomfort that occurs after meals
- Pain that worsens when lying down
- Burning in the throat
- Sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
When Heartburn May Be GERD
Occasional heartburn is common, but experiencing heartburn more than twice a week may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a chronic digestive condition that develops when the muscles at the end of the esophagus do not close properly, allowing stomach contents to reflux back into the esophagus.
Without treatment, GERD can lead to more serious health complications over time.
Know Your Risk for Heart Disease
Understanding what is causing your chest pain can be lifesaving. However, don't wait for a heart attack to become your first sign of heart disease. To find out if you're at risk for heart disease, take our quick heart disease risk assessment.
Specialists at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center help patients assess their risk for cardiovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease while providing valuable prevention strategies.
Individualized screening programs are also available to help measure risk for:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Other cardiovascular conditions
Early detection and prevention can help you protect your heart health and live with confidence.
