In reference to heart disease, chest pain is also called angina and is often caused by decreased blood flow to the heart. Chest pain can come on suddenly at any time. It is one of the most frightening symptoms a person can have. Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people call for emergency medical help. Every year emergency room doctors evaluate and treat millions of people for chest pain.

Fortunately, chest pain doesn't always signal a heart attack. But even if the chest pain you experience has nothing to do with your cardiovascular system, the problem may still be important. A wide range of health problems can cause chest pain including the heart, lungs, esophagus, muscle, bone, and skin.

Because of the complex nerve distribution in the body, chest pain may actually originate from another part of the body. In many cases, the underlying cause has nothing to do with your heart — though there's no easy way to tell without seeing a doctor.

 

If you have any symptoms of chest pain, especially if the pain is new, call your doctor or 911. If you suspect that you may be having a heart attack or other life-threatening chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not try to drive yourself. Don't waste time trying to diagnose heart attack symptoms yourself. Every minute is crucial if you're having a heart attack. A trip to the emergency room could save your life — or bring you peace of mind if nothing is seriously wrong with your health. Don't drive yourself to the hospital, unless you have no other option. Driving yourself puts you and others at risk if your condition suddenly worsens.

Chest pain, regardless of whether it is caused by a life-threatening condition, needs to be evaluated by a medical professional. Be reassured that you are making the right decision and feel comfortable seeking emergency care whenever you experience chest pain.

~ Chest Pain for Women
At some time or another, most people have felt their heart race or skip a beat. These occasional changes can be brought on by strong emotions or exercise. They usually are not a cause for alarm. Arrhythmias that occur more often or cause symptoms may be more serious and need to be discussed with your doctor. About a third of women experience no chest pain at all when having a heart attack and 71% of women report flu-like symptoms for two weeks to a month prior to having more acute chest discomfort or severe shortness of breath. These milder symptoms are under-reported to emergency room staff.