Pain in your chest can be severe. It can be difficult to interpret. The pain could be caused by something as simple as heartburn or as serious as a heart attack.

If you experience unexplained and persistent chest pain — particularly if it's accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath or pain that radiates beyond your chest to one or both of your arms or your neck — seek emergency medical care. A trip to the emergency room could save your life — or bring you peace of mind if nothing is seriously wrong with your health.