Call emergency services immediately if chest pain is severe, sudden, crushing, or lasts more than a few minutes
Seek urgent medical care if chest pain comes with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, fainting, dizziness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder
Stop activity and rest
Sit upright or in a comfortable position
Loosen tight clothing
Take prescribed chest pain medication exactly as directed
Use nitroglycerin only if it was prescribed for you
Avoid smoking
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
Avoid heavy meals if pain may be related to acid reflux
Avoid strenuous exercise until evaluated
Use antacids only if the pain is known to be from heartburn and you can take them safely
Drink water if dehydration may be contributing
Manage stress with slow breathing and relaxation
Get evaluated by a doctor if chest pain is new, recurring, or unexplained
Do not ignore chest pain if you have heart disease risk factors
Do not drive yourself to the hospital if the pain is severe or worsening