Chest Pain: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with chest pain?

Chest pain often occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. For example, if chest pain is related to an infection, you may experience a fever and body aches. Diseases and conditions of organs and tissues in your chest or abdomen, such as the lungs, stomach, esophagus, ribs, pancreas, gallbladder, muscles and nerves, can result in chest pain as well.

Pain can also travel from the neck, back and belly area to your chest. Coexisting symptoms can also be related to the digestive tract. Some signs or symptoms, such as low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels, may be evident only through medical testing, so always seek medical care if you are experiencing chest pain.

Other chest symptoms that may occur along with chest pain

Chest pain may accompany other heart and lung symptoms including:

• Cough (may be a productive cough with phlegm)

• Flared nostrils

• Wheezing

Digestive symptoms that may occur along with chest pain

Chest pain can accompany symptoms related to the digestive system including:

• Abdominal pain

• Difficulty swallowing, possibly with a sore throat

• Feeling that food is stuck in your chest

• Food regurgitation

• Nausea and vomiting

Other symptoms may occur along with chest pain

Other symptoms that may accompany chest pain include:

• Anxiety and feelings of panic or fear

• Racing thoughts

• Stress

• Sweating palms

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

Chest pain may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for symptoms including:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness

• Chest pain that spreads to the left arm, jaw, or shoulder, or to the back

• Chest pain when breathing or coughing

• Cold, clammy skin or cyanosis, a bluish color of the skin, lips or nails

• Coughing up yellow-green phlegm (mucus) with shortness of breath or wheezing

• Dizziness or disorientation

• Heart palpitations or a fluttering feeling in the chest

• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Pressure, cramping, tightness,  or tearing sensation in the chest

• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking

• Sweating