Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Chest Pain - Triage

Audience: adult

Chest pain can be caused by many different conditions, some of which require urgent medical attention. Telemedicine can help assess chest pain symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot replace in-person evaluation when serious problems are suspected. This guide explains common warning signs (red flags) that mean you should seek emergency or in-person care immediately. It also describes when telemedicine visits may be appropriate for less urgent chest pain. Knowing these signs can help you get the right care quickly and safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain spreading to arms, neck, jaw, or back — seek emergency care immediately.
• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or fainting — call emergency services.
• Sudden severe chest pain or pressure, especially with rapid or irregular heartbeat — go to the nearest emergency room.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild or stable chest pain without red flags.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and home care.
• Determining need for urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating suspected heart attack or other emergencies.
• Performing physical exams, ECGs, or imaging tests.
• Managing severe or worsening chest pain with red flag symptoms.

Understanding Chest Pain

Chest pain is discomfort or pain anywhere in the chest area. It can feel sharp, dull, burning, or tight. Causes vary widely — from muscle strain and acid reflux to heart or lung problems. Because some causes can be life-threatening, it is important to recognize when chest pain needs urgent care.

Red Flags That Need Immediate In-Person Care

Certain symptoms with chest pain suggest a medical emergency. These include:

If you experience any of these, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for evaluating chest pain that is mild, stable, and without red flags. A healthcare provider can:

Telemedicine can provide quick access to advice, especially when in-person care is not immediately available.

When Telemedicine Is Not Enough

Telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, heart tests, or imaging needed to diagnose serious chest conditions. If your symptoms suggest heart attack, lung problems, or other emergencies, you must seek in-person care immediately. Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency services or hospital evaluation when red flags are present.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit About Chest Pain

To get the most from your telemedicine visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

Keep emergency numbers handy and do not delay seeking in-person care if your condition worsens.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your chest pain symptoms with details on onset, duration, and triggers.
• Prepare your medical history and current medications.
• Note any additional symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with reliable internet or phone connection.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if possible for support.

After your tele-visit

• Follow healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Schedule recommended follow-up visits or tests.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of chest pain?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot replace physical exams or tests needed to diagnose serious causes of chest pain. In-person evaluation may be necessary.

When should I go to the emergency room for chest pain?

Go to the emergency room immediately if you have chest pain spreading to your arms, neck, jaw, or back; chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or fainting; or sudden severe chest pain or pressure.

Is it safe to wait and see if chest pain improves at home?

If your chest pain is mild, stable, and without red flags, monitoring at home may be appropriate with telemedicine guidance. However, if symptoms worsen or red flags appear, seek emergency care immediately.

What can I expect during a telemedicine visit for chest pain?

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant information. They will help assess your risk and advise whether you need urgent in-person care or can manage at home.

Can telemedicine provide treatment for chest pain?

Telemedicine can offer advice and prescribe medications for some causes of chest pain. However, it cannot provide emergency treatment or perform necessary tests for serious conditions.

Sources

1. Chest Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Chest Pain: When to Seek Emergency Care — Mayo Clinic.
3. Chest Pain - Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Chest Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience chest pain with red flag symptoms or worsening condition, seek emergency or in-person care immediately.