Chest Pain in Jacksonville: When to Get Care

In 2023, Duval County recorded nearly two-thousand deaths from heart disease, a sobering statistic that highlights the importance of recognizing potential warning signs. One of the most critical symptoms is chest pain, a signal from your body that should never be dismissed.

The sensation can vary widely, from a sudden, sharp stab to a persistent dull ache or a crushing feeling of tightness and pressure.

While chest pain is a classic sign of a heart attack, it is essential to understand that many other conditions can trigger it.

This guide will help you understand the causes of chest pain and determine the right level of care here in the Jacksonville area.

Why Does Chest Pain Happen?

Not all chest pain is cardiac-related. Here are some common causes, including some that are particularly relevant to living in Northeast Florida.

• Musculoskeletal Issues: Straining a muscle in your chest wall from lifting something heavy, a hard workout or even vigorous coughing can cause sharp, localized pain that worsens with movement or deep breaths.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Acid reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a frequent culprit. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation often mistaken for heart pain. Large, spicy or fatty meals, common in our Southern food culture, can trigger this.
• Respiratory Conditions: Jacksonville's high pollen counts and humidity can worsen conditions like asthma, bronchitis or even pneumonia. These can lead to chest pain, often accompanied by coughing and shortness of breath.
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks: The physical symptoms of a panic attack can mimic a heart attack, including a racing heart, shortness of breath and intense chest pain.
• Heart-Related Issues: Of course, chest pain can signal a serious cardiac event like a heart attack or angina (chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart). These require immediate emergency attention.

When to Seek Medical Care for Chest Pain

Chest pain should never be taken lightly. For chest pain that is mild, persistent and not accompanied by severe, life-threatening symptoms, it’s still a good idea to get it checked

out. Consider visiting a UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center if you experience the following:

• The Pain is Mild but Doesn't Go Away

If you have a nagging discomfort or pressure in your chest that isn't severe, it could be related to a non-cardiac issue like muscle strain or anxiety. Living in our warm climate means we're active outdoors year-round, from boating on the St. Johns River to golfing and yard work. This activity increases the risk of minor muscle pulls that can cause chest pain.

Our highly skilled teams can evaluate your symptoms and order tests like an EKG or blood work to rule out serious conditions and give you peace of mind.

• You Have a Burning Sensation After Eating

Experiencing a burning feeling in your chest, especially after a meal, strongly suggests heartburn or GERD. This is common and can often be managed. However, if over-the-counter antacids don't provide relief or the symptoms are frequent, it's wise to get checked out.

• Pain Changes with Movement or Position

Chest pain that gets worse when you press on the area, take a deep breath, or change your body position is typically musculoskeletal. This is often a sign of a pulled muscle or inflammation in the cartilage of your rib cage (costochondritis). While this type of pain is not usually a medical emergency, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to rule out other causes and receive guidance on how to manage the pain, which might include rest, ice, or anti-inflammatory medication.

• Symptoms that demand immediate emergency care.

Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if your chest pain is accompanied by any of these signs:

• Sudden, severe, and crushing chest pain or pressure
• Pain that radiates to your arm (especially the left arm), jaw, neck, or back
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Heavy sweating

These are hallmark symptoms of a heart attack or another life-threatening cardiac event. In these situations, every second counts. Emergency rooms are equipped with the specialized staff and equipment needed for immediate, life-saving intervention.

Find the Right Care for You at UF Health

Making the right healthcare decision can be stressful, especially when you're not feeling well. In the past, you had to choose between an ER and an urgent care clinic. Now, there’s a better way.

UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are uniquely designed to provide the right level of care, all in one place. Our facilities are fully equipped to function as both a 24/7 emergency room and an urgent care center. This means you can walk in for any medical concern, from minor allergies to severe chest pain, and our expert team will diagnose you and direct you to the appropriate level of care. You’ll only be billed for the care you actually need—ER or urgent care.

With on-site labs, X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scanning, we can quickly get to the bottom of your symptoms without sending you elsewhere. We are committed to providing the residents of Northeast Florida with exceptional, efficient, and accessible medical services.

No appointment is ever needed. Just walk in, and let us take care of the rest.

Find the UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center nearest you by visiting www.euc.ufhealthjax.org/locations.