Chest pain is a symptom that should never be ignored. While it can have many non-cardiac causes, it may also indicate a heart attack or other life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Chest pain is discomfort or pain felt anywhere in the chest area, from the neck to the upper abdomen. It can be sharp, dull, burning, aching, or crushing in nature. While many people associate chest pain with heart attacks, it has a wide range of causes — some serious, some benign.
Cardiac causes of chest pain include angina (reduced blood flow to the heart), heart attack (myocardial infarction), aortic dissection, and pericarditis. Non-cardiac causes include acid reflux (GERD), costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage), panic attacks, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and muscle strain.
In Korea, cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of death, and the prevalence of risk factors including diabetes, obesity, smoking, and hypertension in the population makes cardiac evaluation essential for any unexplained chest pain. Do not drive yourself to hospital if you suspect a heart attack — call 119.
Key Points
- Crushing or squeezing chest pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back may indicate a heart attack
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with breathing may indicate pleuritis or pneumothorax
- Burning chest pain after meals often indicates acid reflux (GERD)
- Chest pain with anxiety, rapid breathing, and tingling may indicate a panic attack
- Chest pain in women can be atypical — may present as fatigue, nausea, or upper back pain
- Any new chest pain should be evaluated medically, especially in adults over 40
Causes & Risk Factors
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction) — medical emergency
- Angina — reduced blood flow to the heart during exertion
- Acid reflux / GERD — very common in Korea's population
- Costochondritis — inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone
- Panic attack or anxiety disorder
- Pulmonary embolism — blood clot in the lungs (medical emergency)
- Pneumonia or pleuritis
- Muscle strain from exercise or lifting
When to See a Doctor
- IMMEDIATELY call 119 if chest pain is crushing, severe, or radiates to arm, jaw, or back
- Call 119 if chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea
- Go to emergency if chest pain follows an injury or trauma
- Seek urgent care for new chest pain in anyone over 40 or with cardiac risk factors
- See a GP if chest pain is recurrent, mild, and related to meals or stress
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
Sources & References
- World Health Organization
- Mayo Clinic
- Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
- Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Cleveland Clinic
Last reviewed: May 29, 2026