Chest pain has many causes, from muscle strain and heartburn to serious heart and lung problems, and it is not always possible to tell them apart at home. Because the dangerous causes can be rapidly fatal, certain features mean you should seek emergency care rather than wait.
Call your local emergency number for chest pain that is severe, crushing, or feels like pressure or tightness, that spreads to one or both arms, the jaw, neck, or back, or that comes with shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, or a sense of doom. Sudden sharp chest pain with breathlessness can also indicate a collapsed lung or a clot on the lung.
Pain that is brief, sharp, clearly linked to movement or pressing on the chest, or that follows an obvious muscle strain is more often benign, but if you are uncertain, or have heart risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history, get it assessed promptly. When in doubt, treat chest pain as a heart emergency.