Chest pain evaluation

Having chest pain right now? Call 911. Don’t drive yourself.

Call immediately if the pain feels like pressure, squeezing or tightness, lasts more than a few minutes, spreads to your arm, jaw or back, or comes with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness.

 

Heart-related causes

 

• Angina: reduced blood flow to the heart, often from narrowed arteries. It typically shows up with exertion or stress and eases with rest.

• Heart rhythm problems that cause pounding or discomfort

• Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis)

• Valve disease or a thickened heart muscle

 

Other common causes

 

Acid reflux, muscle strain, anxiety and lung problems can all cause chest pain. Part of our job is ruling the heart in or out, so you know where to focus.

 

Symptoms can be subtle

 

Women, older adults and people with diabetes often don’t have classic chest pain. Unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, nausea, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper belly can also be signs of heart trouble.

 

How we evaluate chest pain

 

• A detailed history and exam, with time for your questions

• EKG in our office

• Stress testing in our office, to see how your heart does when it works harder

• Echocardiogram to check heart structure and pumping

• Blood work for cholesterol, blood sugar and other risk factors

• Advanced imaging, including coronary CT angiography, when needed

 

Most of this can be done at our Cliffside Park office, often starting at your first visit.

 

What happens next

 

If we find a heart cause, we build a treatment plan with you. That may mean medication, lifestyle changes, or a procedure with a specialist we know and trust at one of our affiliated hospitals. We stay involved in your care throughout. If your heart looks healthy, you leave with a clear answer and, when needed, a referral for the real cause.

 

Common questions

 

Should I see a cardiologist or go to the ER?

Go to the ER or call 911 for new, severe or ongoing chest pain. Book a cardiology visit for chest pain that has passed, keeps coming back, or that your doctor wants checked.

 

Can I be seen quickly?

Request an appointment and we’ll get back to you within 12 hours, or pick an open time on Zocdoc.

 

Do I need a referral?

Usually not. One UnitedHealthcare plan does require one, so if you have UnitedHealthcare, call our office and we’ll check for you.

 

 

Related: Stress testing · Echocardiogram · Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

 

Medically reviewed by David Fridman, MD · September 29, 2026