Chest Pain
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Have you had symptoms that you think may be related to a problem with your heart, but all symptoms are gone now?
See significance of symptoms that may be related to a heart problem if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: If you have symptoms of a heart attack now, call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
After calling 911 or other emergency services:
- If the person becomes unconscious, see Rescue Breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
- If the person is awake, alert, not vomiting, and not allergic to aspirin, have the person chew and swallow 1 adult aspirin (325 mg) or 4 low-dose aspirin (80 mg each) before emergency medical personnel such as paramedics arrive. Be sure to tell emergency personnel that aspirin has been taken.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Did you have chest pain or discomfort?
Yes Did you have pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest, upper belly, or jaw?
Yes Did you have pain or numbness in your shoulders or arms, especially on the left side?
Yes Did you have pain in the upper back or neck?
Yes Did you have shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea?
Yes Did you have severe tiredness or exhaustion that came on suddenly?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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