Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Slideshow Pictures Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

If you have any symptoms of chest pain, especially if the pain is new, call your doctor or 911.

• It may be best to call 911 for emergency transport to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not try to drive yourself.
  
  
• Because so many causes of chest pain often mimic a heart attack or other life-threatening illnesses, it is best to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

If you suspect that you may be having a heart attack or other life-threatening chest pain, call 911 and go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not try to drive yourself.

• If you are having a heart attack, time is muscle. The longer you wait to receive evaluation and treatment, the more heart muscle is damaged.
  
  
• If there is something serious going on that is causing your chest pain, doctors can choose from many effective early interventions to reduce your chances of death or severe illness. These treatments can have a positive effect on the long-term quality of your life.

What if it turns out not to be a heart attack or other life-threatening event?

• You won't know until the medical professionals at the hospital check out the cause of your chest pain. Give yourself that peace of mind.
  
  
• If your chest pain is not life-threatening, you should not feel embarrassed or that you "wasted everyone's time." Whatever the outcome, you always make the correct choice by going to the nearest hospital emergency department.

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.