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What to do if…
you develop new chest pressure or discomfort, especially with arm, shoulder, or jaw pain

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Call 911 now. New chest pressure or discomfort with arm, shoulder, or jaw pain can be a heart attack warning sign, even if it is mild or comes and goes. Do not drive yourself.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait to see whether the discomfort passes.
  • Do not drive yourself to a hospital or urgent care.
  • Do not dismiss the symptoms as indigestion, heartburn, anxiety, or a muscle problem.
  • Do not continue walking, working, exercising, or climbing stairs.
  • Do not delay calling 911 while taking aspirin or trying medication.
  • Do not take aspirin, someone else’s medicine, or extra doses of your medicine unless the 911 call-taker or a clinician instructs you to.
  • Do not stay alone if someone can safely remain with you.

What to do now

  1. Call 911 immediately. Say that you have developed new chest pressure or discomfort with arm, shoulder, or jaw pain.
  2. Stay on the line and follow the call-taker’s instructions. Do not hang up until told to do so.
  3. Give your location, callback number, and a clear description of the symptoms. Say when they began and whether they are constant or come and go.
  4. Mention any shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, unusual weakness, or rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  5. Stop all activity. Sit down, rest, and avoid unnecessary movement or exertion while emergency help is coming.
  6. Ask someone nearby to stay with you. Do not delay the 911 call while contacting family, your usual doctor, an insurance provider, or an urgent care center.
  7. If the discomfort eases or disappears, continue waiting for emergency medical services. Heart attack warning symptoms may go away and return.
  8. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally or is only gasping, someone nearby should call 911, begin CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator if available, following the dispatcher’s and device’s instructions.

What can wait

You do not need to decide what is causing the symptoms, arrange your own transportation, pack belongings, settle work or family matters, or work out payment and insurance details now. Those things can wait until emergency help has been contacted and you are being assessed.

Important reassurance

Calling 911 is appropriate even when you are not certain this is a heart attack. Chest symptoms can have several causes, but this combination needs urgent medical assessment, and emergency medical services can begin care before you reach the hospital.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Testing, diagnosis, treatment, and later decisions should be handled by emergency clinicians and any specialists involved in your care.

Important note

This is general health information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. New chest pressure or discomfort with arm, shoulder, or jaw pain may be a medical emergency in the USA; call 911 immediately.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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