Q When chest pain occurs, when should I go straight to the emergency room?
A Musculoskeletal causes of chest pain are common, but life-threatening causes appear in the same area. If any of the signs below are present, go to the emergency room or call emergency services without delay. A musculoskeletal conclusion is only reached after the heart and lungs have been ruled out.
Detailed Answer
Immediate emergency care is needed if any of the following applies.
- Squeezing or crushing pain lasting more than 15 minutes
- Pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, shoulder, or back
- Cold sweat, nausea, or difficulty breathing occurring together
- Pain starting suddenly at rest or in the early morning hours
- Sudden breathlessness together with swelling or pain in one leg
- Severe chest pain after a fall or an impact
- Chest pain accompanied by fever and cough
If none of these signs are present, and the pain is tender to the touch and changes with posture and breathing, a chest wall origin is likely. Even so, if this is your first episode of chest pain, we recommend having basic tests such as an ECG at least once.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At the first visit we also check the character of the pain and any accompanying symptoms to look for emergency signs before anything else. If a warning sign is suspected, we recommend examination rather than treatment. Only once safety is confirmed do we set out a plan involving acupuncture or moxibustion.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I am 45 and work full time. Cardiology says my ECG and echocardiogram are both normal, but my chest still hurts. So where is the problem?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I am a 34-year-old man and was told I have costochondritis. Can treatment at a Korean medicine clinic help?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I am 47 and self-employed. My chest pain has come and gone for three years. Can something like this be treated?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I am a 39-year-old designer with chest pain along with stiffness in my neck, shoulders, and back. Are they connected?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
I am a 42-year-old nurse and my chest hurts more when I wake up. How should I position myself for sleep?
#Lifestyle Management