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ER or urgent care?

Chest pain: call 911

Call 911 for chest pain that could be a heart attack, even if you’re not sure 1 2. Don’t drive yourself or have someone drive you; an ambulance team can start treatment on the way 2 1.

If you have these signs, call 911 now; don’t drive yourself. Updated November 15, 2026; every fact links to its source below.
Photo of a person calling for help while someone sits with them

Go to the ER or call 911 if

  • Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back 1
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach 1
  • Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort 1
  • A cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness 1 3
  • Sudden, severe, tearing pain in the chest and upper back 4 5
  • Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long trip or bed rest 5

Don’t take aspirin and wait for the pain to ease. Call 911 first; the operator may tell you to take aspirin if it’s safe for you 6.

If you’re not sure, go to the ER. Find the nearest ER.

Why not urgent care or an online visit

Chest pain that could be your heart isn’t a job for urgent care or an online visit. Urgent care centers don’t have the equipment or staff of an ER, and will send you on, which delays your care 7. Call 911 1.

Heart attack signs in women

Chest pain is still the most common symptom in women, but women are more likely to also have shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain 1. Unusual tiredness can also be a sign 3.

Common questions

Chest pain: call 911, answered.

General information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.

Should I call 911 for chest pain?
Yes, if it could be a heart attack, even if you’re not sure 1 2.
Should I drive to the ER with chest pain?
No. Don’t drive or let someone drive you; call 911 2. People who arrive by ambulance may be treated faster 1.
Should I take aspirin for chest pain?
Call 911 first. Only take aspirin if the 911 operator or a doctor tells you to 6.

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Sources

  1. American Heart Association: Warning signs of a heart attack (reviewed Dec. 12, 2024)
  2. NHLBI: Heart attack symptoms (updated Mar. 24, 2022)
  3. CDC: About heart attack and symptoms (Oct. 24, 2024)
  4. MedlinePlus: Aortic dissection (reviewed Apr. 28, 2026)
  5. MedlinePlus: Chest pain (reviewed Apr. 28, 2026)
  6. American Heart Association: Aspirin and dual antiplatelet therapy (reviewed Feb. 28, 2025)
  7. American College of Emergency Physicians: Emergency care, urgent care, what’s the difference? (PDF)

Last updated November 15, 2026. General information from the sources above, not medical advice or a diagnosis, and not a substitute for being seen. If you’re not sure whether something is an emergency, go to the ER or call 911.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.