Chest pain

According to the Mayo Clinic many different problems can cause chest pain or discomfort, and it can be difficult to know what is causing the pain. It can be a sharp, stabbing pain, a dull ache, or feeling of pressure.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) Emergency & Urgent Care is fully equipped with ER-trained physicians and staff to treat ailments and conditions related to chest pain.

When to Call 911 or Go to Your Nearest Emergency Room

Visit a VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care location or your physician for any chest discomfort you have.

Call 911 or visit your nearest ER immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Cold sweats with chest pain

• Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, becomes worse with activity, comes and goes, or varies in intensity

• Crushing or searing pain radiating to your jaw, back, neck, shoulders, and one or both arms

• Pressure, burning, fullness, or tightness in the chest

• Shortness of breath with chest pain

• Vomiting or nausea with chest pain

• Weakness or dizziness with chest pain

If you have not been active for an extended period, pay particular attention to sudden, sharp chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath.

Also note:

• Excessive sweating or an ashen (gray) color to the skin

• Extremely low blood pressure or heart rate

• Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, or confusion

• Sudden pressure, squeezing, tightness, or a crushing feeling under your breastbone

VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care is staffed 24/7 with board-certified ER-trained physicians and medical staff, so there is no need to delay care. You will need a doctor to confirm how serious your condition is and whether you will need immediate medical attention.

When to visit VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care

Not all chest pain is related to a heart or lung problem, although it can be difficult to distinguish. If you have the following symptoms, it is more likely heartburn or indigestion.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Trouble swallowing

• Pain that gets better or worse when you change body position

• A sour taste or the feeling of vomit in your mouth

• Tenderness when you press on your chest

• Pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe deeply

• Persistent, severe chest pain for many hours

If you have a fever, chills, or are coughing up mucus, you should visit a convenient VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care location as these are signs of other illnesses that may require treatment.