But just how do you know when that chest pain you feel is actually a heart attack and not something else entirely? The answer, says cardiologist Curtis Rimmerman, MD, is knowing that your pain is sudden, persistent and not pinpointed to one location. Chest pain is pain or discomfort in the chest, typically the front of the chest. [1] It may be described as sharp, dull, pressure, heaviness or squeezing. [3] This article examines the causes and symptoms of chest pain and when to connect with a healthcare professional. Chest pain is a pain or discomfort in any area of your chest. It may spread to other areas of your upper body, including down your arms or into your neck or jaw. Chest pains can be sharp or dull. You may feel tightness or achiness. Or you may feel like something is crushing or squeezing your chest. Policy. Discomfort in the chest can be related to heart, blood vessel, lung, digestive, musculoskeletal, and even psychiatric conditions. This article will review the various causes and features of chest pain. Read on to learn about when to be concerned. Chest pain is an indicator of a possible heart attack, but it may also be a symptom of another condition or problem. The type and location of the pain can help doctors determine what is causing it. Chest pain isn’t always a sign of a medical emergency. Here are 30 possible causes for this symptom. Chest pain generally is not serious, but it can sometimes indicate a serious problem. Angina is heart pain, often caused by narrowed heart arteries, usually triggered by exercise. A heart attack is severe chest pain at rest, caused by a blocked heart artery. Chest pain may be sharp or dull. It might come and go, or you might always feel the pain. The exact symptoms depend on the cause. Many different things can cause chest pain. The most life-threatening causes involve the heart or lungs. So it's important to get medical help for an accurate diagnosis. Angina (Chest Pain) Quick Facts Angina is chest pain that can spread to other parts of the body. It usually happens with physical activity and gets better quickly when you rest. It is a symptom of a heart problem. Treatments can help reduce pain and lower your risk for heart attack.