When Should You Go to the ER for Chest Pain?

Chest pain can be alarming and is often associated with heart problems, but it can also result from a variety of other conditions. Knowing when to seek emergency care is crucial. This article will help you identify when chest pain requires an ER visit, what to expect during your ER visit, and how OnERCall can assist you in making the best decision for your health.

When to Go to the ER for Chest Pain

Chest pain should never be ignored, especially when it comes with certain symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening condition:

  • Sudden, Severe Chest Pain: A sharp, intense pain that feels like pressure or squeezing in your chest could be a sign of a heart attack.
  • Pain Radiating to Other Areas: If the pain spreads to your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, this could be a symptom of a heart attack.
  • Chest Pain with Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing along with chest pain could indicate a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or another serious condition.
  • Chest Pain with Dizziness or Fainting: These symptoms could suggest a serious heart or lung condition that requires immediate medical attention.
  • Chest Pain with Sweating, Nausea, or Vomiting: These symptoms, especially if sudden and severe, could be signs of a heart attack or another critical condition.
  • Persistent Chest Pain: Any chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes or recurs over time should be evaluated in the ER.

How an ER Treats Chest Pain

When you arrive at the ER with chest pain, the medical team will work quickly to determine the cause and provide treatment:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of your heart and can detect heart attacks and other heart problems.
  • Blood Tests: To check for markers of heart damage or other issues that could be causing your pain.
  • Chest X-ray or CT Scan: Imaging tests can help identify lung issues, broken ribs, or other conditions that may be causing your pain.
  • Medication: Depending on the cause, you might receive aspirin, blood thinners, clot-busting drugs, or other medications.
  • Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure stability and detect any changes.

Common Causes of Chest Pain and When to Go to the ER

Chest pain can stem from various sources, not all of which are heart-related, but many still require urgent care:

  • Heart Attack: If you suspect a heart attack, go to the ER immediately. Time is critical in minimizing heart damage.
  • Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. If it’s new, worsening, or happens at rest, seek emergency care.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. This is a medical emergency.
  • Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta’s wall causes severe pain and requires immediate surgical intervention.
  • Pneumonia or Pneumothorax: Lung-related issues can cause sharp chest pain, especially with breathing. These require prompt evaluation in the ER.

Contacting OnERCall First

Before rushing to the emergency room, consider contacting OnERCall for instant medical advice. Our US-licensed, board-certified Emergency Medicine physicians are available around the clock to assess your symptoms and advise whether an ER visit is necessary. OnERCall helps you avoid unnecessary trips to the ER while ensuring that you get prompt care when needed. Download the OnERCall app today and ensure that expert medical help is just a click away whenever you need it.

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