CHEST PAIN

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or other pain in the chest
• This includes the area from the clavicles to the bottom of the rib cage.

General Information

• Not all chest pain is serious, but until your doctor has examined you it is always safer to assume that your chest pain is serious.
• The most life-threatening cause of chest pain is a heart attack. Other serious causes include angina, pneumonia, lung blood clots, or a collapsed lung.
• Some common causes of chest pain are not serious  (e.g. muscle strain, chest wall arthritis, and acid reflux).

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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