What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for new or unexplained chest pressure that persists or returns, severe trouble breathing, collapse without normal recovery, or sudden face/arm weakness or trouble speaking. Do not drive yourself.
Contact your care team
New or changing chest symptoms need prompt assessment. Ongoing or recurrent concerning discomfort belongs on the emergency pathway.
Keep your care plan
For an established diagnosis, follow your written symptom plan and keep follow-up appointments.
SECTION 1
What is chest discomfort?
Chest discomfort is pain or an unusual sensation in your chest. It may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, heaviness, burning, or sharp pain.
It can happen during activity or at rest. Sometimes it spreads to the arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen.
A heart problem does not always cause severe pain
A heart attack can cause mild discomfort that comes and goes. Some people have shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, or unusual fatigue, sometimes without prominent chest pain.
What is angina?
Angina is discomfort caused when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It may occur when the heart works harder during activity, although some types happen at rest. It is a symptom that needs evaluation.
When should I call 911?
Call 911 for new or unexplained chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or returns, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or faintness. Do not wait for the pain to become severe, and do not drive yourself. If you are unsure whether symptoms represent a heart attack, call for emergency help.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.