How Is Chest Pain Defined Medically?

Chest pain is a term used by doctors to describe discomfort or pain in the area between your neck and upper abdomen. This pain can take many forms. Sometimes it feels like a heavy or squeezing pressure. Other times, it might be a sharp, stabbing, or burning sensation. Medically, chest pain is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom that signals something may be affecting the heart, lungs, esophagus, muscles, bones, or other tissues in that area. Doctors look at how the pain feels, how long it lasts, and whether it spreads to other parts of the body (like the arms, back, or jaw) to help decide what might be causing it. In primary care, understanding the nature of chest pain helps the doctor decide if further tests, like an EKG or blood tests, are needed. By defining chest pain in this way, health professionals work to quickly identify conditions that might require immediate attention, ensuring the best care for the patient.