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Heart & Vascular

Chest Pain

Chest pain describes many different sensations such as a sharp pain, dull ache, pressure, or burning and can signal many different conditions. It should always be taken seriously. See the table below for guidance.

Heart-related causes of chest discomfort	What it feels like	What to do
Angina	Pressure or tightness in your chest that doesn’t last, is brought on by physical or emotional stress. Angina can be an early warning sign of heart attack.	Call your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Heart attack	Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, or squeezing pain in the center of the chest Lasts more than a few minutes Can spread to the shoulders, neck, or arms Can be accompanied by lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath	Call 911.
Aortic dissection (the inner layer of the aorta’s artery wall splits open)	Very severe pain often described as a “tearing pain.” It’s associated with cold sweat. The pain may be felt at the front or back of the chest. Usually the pain moves as the dissection gets worse.	Call 911.
Pericarditis (inflammation of the thin sac (pericaridium) surrounding the heart)	Usually a sharp, piercing pain over the center or left side of the chest that may spread to the neck and left shoulder. (Less often the pain is dull.) Often the pain gets worse with deep breathing or lying flat. A fever is also common. Often people with pericarditis report feeling sick. Some have pain when they swallow.	Call 911.

Other causes of chest discomfort	What it feels like	What to do
Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in your lung)	Sudden, sharp pain that gets worse with deep breathing or coughing. You may also feel short of breath or have a rapid heartbeat.	Call 911.
Pleurisy (inflammation of lung membranes that can happen with pneumonia)	Chest pain when breathing or coughing. Usually you can relieve it temporarily by putting pressure on the painful area of your chest.	Call your healthcare provider.
Heartburn	Painful, burning sensation behind your breastbone, sometimes with a sour taste in your mouth. Usually follows a meal, often worse when you lie down.	Call 911 if you suspect a heart attack based on your symptoms. Otherwise, call your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Costochondritis (inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib)	Pain or soreness where the ribs meet the chest bone (sternum). The pain or soreness increases if you press on this area.	Call your healthcare provider.

Possible Conditions

Diagnostic Procedures

Cardiovascular Diagnostic Testing
- Blood Tests
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiogram (EKG,ECG)
- Medical History & Physical Exam
- Nuclear Cardiac Perfusion Imaging
- Stress Testing
Cardiovascular Advanced Imaging
- Cardiac CT
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Cardiac Cath Lab Diagnostic Procedures
- Carotid Angiography
- Cardiac Catheterization