When to see a doctor

Chest pain is a common reason that people seek medical treatment. Anxiety, indigestion, infection, muscle strain, and heart or lung problems can all cause chest pain.

If your chest pain is new, changing or otherwise unexplained, seek help from a doctor. If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number. Don't try to diagnose the chest pain yourself or ignore it. Your treatment will depend on the specific cause of the pain.