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FAMILY ILLNESS
Chest pain
Pain in the chest, or any discomfort felt in the front or back of the ribcage, is most often due to minor disorders such as muscle strain or indigestion. However, you should dial 911 or call EMS if you have a crushing pain in the center or left side of your chest, if you are also short of breath or feel faint, or if the pain is unlike any pain you have had before.
START
What kind of pain are you experiencing?
Crushing
Spreading from the center of the chest to the neck, arms, or jaw
Neither of the above
Does the pain subside after you rest for a few minutes?
Pain subsides
Are you short of breath?
Short of breath
Not short of breath
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Recurrent chest pain could be an indication of angina, especially if pain in the chest occurs with exertion and disappears with rest.
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! You may have a blood clot in the lung.
Do any of the following apply?
You have recently had surgery
You have recently been immobile due to injury or illness
You have had a baby within the past 2 weeks
None of the above
Is pain related to breathing?
Related to breathing
Pain persists
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! You may be having a heart attack.
• While waiting, chew half an aspirin, unless you are allergic to it.
Have you had this pain before?
Previous episodes of this kind of pain
Never before
Not related to breathing
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! You may be having a heart attack.
• While waiting, chew half an aspirin, unless you are allergic to it.