Chest Pain

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Chest pain is any discomfort between your abdomen and your neck. The pain may be only in your chest or it may move to other body areas.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to decrease or take away pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them in your follow-up visits.

Activity:

• Regular exercise is good for most people, as long as it does not cause chest pain. Talk to your primary healthcare provider before you start an exercise program.
  
  
• Ask when it is safe for you to start having sex. If you get chest pain during sex, stop. Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.

Eat healthy foods:

Eat healthy foods every day. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, meat, beans, or fish. Healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. Ask if you should be on a special diet. You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat or cholesterol. You may also be told to limit the amount of salt you eat. You may need other diet changes if your pain is caused by digestive problems.

Maintain a healthy weight:

When you weigh more than is healthy for you, your heart must work harder. You are at higher risk for serious health problems. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about a weight loss plan if you are overweight.

Do not smoke:

If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask for information about how to stop smoking if you need help.

Manage stress:

Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, listening to music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your pain happens more often or gets worse.
  
  
• You have new or increased swelling in your feet or ankles.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Call 911 or an ambulance if you have any signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Discomfort in the center of your chest that feels like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain, that lasts for more than a few minutes or keeps returning
    
    
  • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or one or both of your arms
    
    
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
    
    
  • Having trouble breathing
    
    
  • A sudden cold sweat, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
    
    
  • Feeling very lightheaded or dizzy, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
  
  
• You lose feeling or movement in your face, arms, or legs.
  
  
• You suddenly feel confused and have trouble with your vision or speech.
  
  
• You cough or vomit blood.

Learn more about Chest Pain (Discharge Care)