Chest Pain

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

Chest pain

can be caused by a range of conditions, from not serious to life-threatening. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to find the cause of your chest pain.

Common symptoms you may have with chest pain:

• Fever or sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort or pressure that spreads from your chest to your back, jaw, or arm
• A racing or slow heartbeat
• Feeling weak, tired, or faint

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat

Seek care immediately if:

• You have chest discomfort that gets worse, even with medicine.
• You cough or vomit blood.
• Your bowel movements are black or bloody.
• You cannot stop vomiting, or it hurts to swallow.

Call your doctor if:

• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for chest pain

may include medicine to treat your symptoms while your healthcare provider finds the cause of your chest pain.

• Medicines may be given to treat the cause of your chest pain. Examples include pain medicine, anxiety medicine, or medicines to increase blood flow to your heart.
• Do not take certain medicines without asking your healthcare provider first. These include NSAIDs, herbal or vitamin supplements, and hormones, such as estrogen or progestin.
• One or more stents may need to be placed in your heart if pain was caused by blockage. A stent is a wire mesh tube that helps hold your artery open.

Healthy living tips:

If the cause of your chest pain is known, your healthcare provider will give you specific guidelines to follow. The following are general healthy guidelines:

• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung and heart damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
• Choose a variety of healthy foods as often as possible. Include fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. Also include low-fat dairy products, fish, chicken (without skin), and lean meats. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can help you create meal plans. You may need to avoid certain foods or drinks if your pain is caused by a digestion problem.
• Lower your sodium (salt) intake. Limit foods that are high in sodium, such as canned foods, salty snacks, and cold cuts. If you add salt when you cook food, do not add more at the table. Choose low-sodium canned foods as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of water every day. Water helps your body to control your temperature and blood pressure. Ask your healthcare provider how much water you should drink every day.
• Ask about activity. Your healthcare provider will tell you which activities to limit or avoid. Ask when you can drive, return to work, and have sex. Ask about the best exercise plan for you.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask him or her to help you create a safe weight loss plan if you are overweight.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. Your healthcare provider can tell you which vaccines you need, and when to get them. The following vaccines help prevent diseases that can become serious for a person with a heart condition:
  • The influenza (flu) vaccine is given each year. Get a flu vaccine as soon as recommended, usually in September or October.
  • The pneumonia vaccine is usually given every 5 years. Your healthcare provider may recommend the pneumonia vaccine if you are 65 or older.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are given to adults as a shot. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for all adults. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Adults 65 or older need a second dose of updated vaccine at least 4 months after the first dose. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.

Follow up with your doctor within 72 hours, or as directed:

You may need to return for more tests to find the cause of your chest pain. You may be referred to a specialist, such as a cardiologist or gastroenterologist. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer