Is My Chest Pain Heartburn, Or Is It Something More Serious?

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Originally published January 23, 2018

Last updated June 28, 2025

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Chest pain can be scary, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a heart attack. Here’s what else it could indicate.

Chest pain or discomfort is one of the symptoms people experience when they are having a heart attack, but it can also be a sign of something else. These questions can help you figure out whether your symptoms mean you should get immediate medical help or make an appointment with a doctor.

Do your symptoms appear after eating?

If you have overindulged or eaten greasy or spicy foods, you may experience a scorching feeling in your chest. This could be heartburn, which is a symptom of acid reflux and is caused by GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

“30%-40% of patients presenting to ER with chest pain have chest pain due to acid reflux, or GERD,” says Caitlin Houghton, MD, a general surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC. Although, “heartburn can be due to heart problems and should be checked by an ER or local doctor,” she adds.

Is your pain accompanied by a runny nose, coughing, sore throat and fever?

Acute bronchitis can make your chest ache, a pain that worsens if you have a hacking cough. The condition occurs when your bronchial tubes become inflamed. Mucus builds up, leading to shortness of breath and feeling like you have a cold.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and ask you to rest and drink plenty of liquids to thin the mucus and keep your bronchial tubes lubricated. If symptoms continue longer than 10 days, consider getting a chest X-ray to determine whether your condition has turned into pneumonia or if there is another culprit causing your pain.

Do you have a rapid heart rate, fever, fatigue or trouble breathing?

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that produces symptoms resembling a heart attack. If you have these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Do you feel pressure in your chest and discomfort in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back? Do you feel like you have indigestion?

Angina signals an underlying heart condition that can lead to a heart attack. Stable angina is triggered by emotional stress, smoking, heavy meals and extreme variances in temperature, all of which cause your heart to work harder.

This type of angina is episodic but controllable. Your doctor can help you understand and manage the condition.

Unstable angina is characterized by sudden chest pain or worsening or persistent chest discomfort that occurs during sleep or reduced physical activity. It is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the heart. This is a serious health issue that requires immediate medical attention.

Are you experiencing shortness of breath, nausea, arm pain, fatigue, profuse sweating or pale and clammy skin?

If you experience these symptoms for longer than five minutes and have no explanation for them, call 911. You could be having a heart attack.

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acute bronchitis angina chest pain Dr. Caitlin Houghton heart attack heartburn Keck Hospital of USC myocarditis USC Norris Cancer Hospital Heidi Tyline King Heidi Tyline King is a former magazine editor who has written for numerous national publications.

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Allergies and Asthma Ask the Experts Bone and Joint Health Brain Health Brain Tumors Breaking Myths and Misconceptions Breast Cancer Breast Health Business of Health Care Cancer Colon Cancer COVID-19 Diabetes Digestive Health Ear, Nose and Throat Everyday Health Eye Care Food and Nutrition From Our Experts Gender-Affirming Care General Headache Hearing Heart Health Incontinence Keck Hospital of USC Kidney Stones Lung Cancer Meet Our Team Men's Health Organ Transplant and Donation Orthopedics Pain Primary Care Skin Cancer Skin Health Sleep Spine Health Sports and Fitness Surgery Urology USC Arcadia Hospital USC Norris Cancer Hospital USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Voice and Speech Weight Management Women's Health

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