What to Do for Chest Pain: A Step-by-Step Emergency Guide
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the ER — and one of the most important not to ignore. Here's exactly what to do, in order, the moment chest pain begins.
Step 1: Stop what you're doing
Sit down. Don't try to push through it. Don't drive yourself anywhere. Whatever you were doing — climbing stairs, working out, lifting groceries — stop and rest.
Step 2: Take note of the pain
Where is it? Does it radiate to your arm, jaw, back? Is it sharp, dull, squeezing? Did it start suddenly or build slowly? Are you sweating, nauseous or short of breath? These details help us diagnose faster.
Step 3: Call 911 if you have warning signs
If chest pain is severe, lasts more than five minutes, comes with sweating, nausea or shortness of breath, or radiates to the arm or jaw — call 911 immediately. Paramedics can start treatment en route.
Step 4: Chew aspirin if you can
If you're not allergic and not bleeding, chew (don't swallow) a regular 325mg aspirin or four baby aspirin while waiting. This thins the blood and can reduce heart damage.
Step 5: Get to an ER fast
If symptoms are mild but worrying, have someone drive you to the nearest ER. Don't drive yourself — chest pain can suddenly worsen.
What to expect at the ER
Within minutes you'll have an EKG, blood draw for troponin, and a physician at your bedside. Chest pain is triaged as the highest priority — you won't wait.
When chest pain isn't a heart attack
Sometimes it's reflux, anxiety, costochondritis or a pulled muscle. Even when the cause turns out to be minor, ruling out a heart attack is exactly what the ER is built to do.