CHEST PAIN

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CHEST PAIN

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • Passed out
  • Very weak (can't stand)
  • Visible sweat on face or sweat dripping down face
  • Severe difficulty breathing (e.g. struggling for each breath, unable to speak)
  • Lips or face are bluish now
  • Severe chest pain
  • Chest pain lasting longer than 5 minutes and any of the following:
    • Pain is crushing, pressure-like, or heavy
    • History of heart disease  (e.g. angina, heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty)
    • Over 50 years old
    • Over 35 years old and you have at least one cardiac risk factor  (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoker or strong family history of heart disease)
    • Took nitroglycerine and chest pain was not relieved

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Chest pain lasts more than 5 minutes
  • Chest pain brought on by exertion and relieved by rest
  • Chest pain spreads into your shoulder, arm, or jaw
  • You have angina chest pain and it has been increasing in severity or frequency
  • Difficulty breathing or can't take a deep breath
  • Coughing up blood
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness
  • Heart beating irregularly or very rapidly  
  • Fever
  • Major surgery in the past month
  • Any prior "blood clot" in leg or lungs (Note: typically would have required treatment with a blood thinner such as heparin or coumadin)
  • Hip or leg fracture in past two months
  • Recent illness requiring prolonged bed rest within last month
  • Recent long distance travel with prolonged time in car, bus, plane, or train (i.e. several hours sitting in one spot) within last month
  • Drug abuse

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Rash in same area as pain (especially if described as "small blisters")

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Intermittent mild chest pain lasting a few seconds each time, and persists for more than 3 days
  • Chest pain only when coughing and persists for more than 3 days

Self Care at Home If

  • Intermittent mild chest pain lasting a few seconds each time, and you don't think you need to be seen
  • Mild chest pain only when coughing, and you don't think you need to be seen

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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