Chest Pain

When to Call Your Doctor - Call Your Doctor Now

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Chest pain lasts more than 5 minutes
  • Chest pain brought on by exertion and relieved by rest
  • Chest pain spreads into your shoulder, arm, or jaw
  • You have angina chest pain and it has been increasing in severity or frequency
  • Difficulty breathing or taking a breath makes pain worse
  • Coughing up blood
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness
  • Heart beating irregularly or very rapidly
  • Fever
  • Major surgery in the past month
  • Any prior "blood clot" in leg or lungs (Note: typically would have required treatment with a blood thinner such as heparin or coumadin)
  • Hip or leg fracture in past two months
  • Recent illness requiring prolonged bed rest within last month
  • Recent long distance travel with prolonged time in car, bus, plane, or train (i.e. several hours sitting in one spot) within last month
  • Drug abuse

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

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