Question 39 of 433
How do I know whether chest pain is my heart?
The short answer
You cannot be certain at home, so learn the warning signs and act on them. Not every chest pain is a heart attack, and atypical does not mean safe.
Call 911 for pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes; pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back; shortness of breath; cold sweat; nausea; light-headedness; or a sudden sense that something is very wrong. Women, older adults, and people with diabetes often have subtler symptoms: fatigue, breathlessness, indigestion.
Pain that is sharp, lasts seconds, changes with position or a deep breath, or can be reproduced by pressing on the chest is less likely to be the heart. Less likely is not the same as no.
My rule for patients: one frightening episode gets checked today. Repeated mild episodes get a plan. And if you are told “you’re fine” and you do not feel fine, say plainly: “I am concerned this could be my heart.”
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
GUIDELINE-BASED SAFETY — Adults with possible acute coronary symptoms: urgent assessment, not home exclusion.Evidence grade (draft mapping)GGuideline-based / consensusPart 3, Q39 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.