When Is it Time to Go to Urgent Care for Chest Pain?

Chest pain is one of the top reasons that people seek urgent medical care. And while not all chest pain is a sign of a heart attack, it should never be ignored. Other heart issues can require immediate treatment, too — and that’s why it's so important to know when it’s time to seek medical care.

At Memorial Springs ER in Spring, Texas, we offer both urgent care and full emergency services under one roof. If you’re not sure whether you should go to urgent care or the ER for your chest pain, you don’t have to make the decision alone.

When to go to urgent care for chest pain

Urgent care is designed for non-life-threatening conditions that still need prompt attention. If your chest discomfort is mild and you think it’s likely linked to something like heartburn, muscle strain, or anxiety, urgent care may be the right choice.

You might consider going to urgent care for your chest pain if:

• The pain is brief and clearly related to movement or posture
• You suspect indigestion or reflux (especially after eating)
• You’ve experienced similar symptoms before and were told it was non-cardiac
• You’re under 40 with no known heart disease risk factors
• You have mild respiratory symptoms (like cough or mild shortness of breath) without severe chest pain

If you come to Memorial Springs ER for urgent care, our providers can evaluate your symptoms and perform basic testing. If your condition necessitates more advanced care, we have emergency services on site, and we can refer you for further care, if needed.

When to go to the emergency room for chest pain

Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or another critical condition, even if it doesn’t feel dramatic. Go directly to the nearest emergency room, or call 911, if you experience symptoms like:

• Sudden, severe, or crushing chest pain
• Pain that radiates to your arm, jaw, back, or shoulder
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
• Nausea, cold sweats, or lightheadedness
• Chest pain with an irregular heartbeat or a feeling of impending doom

You should also go to the ER if you have chest discomfort and a heart disease diagnosis or high risk of cardiac issues.

Our emergency department is equipped with advanced cardiac diagnostics and imaging, and we can help you get life-saving interventions for conditions like heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, or other acute chest-related emergencies.

Why you should never ignore chest pain

Chest pain is something to take seriously, even if it feels mild or it comes and goes. What may seem like minor discomfort could be an early warning sign of a serious condition like a heart attack, angina, or a blood clot in your lungs.

These conditions can sometimes present with subtle symptoms, especially in women, older adults, and people with diabetes. Ignoring chest pain or delaying care can lead to complications that are far more difficult to treat later on. It’s always safer to seek prompt medical attention and rule out serious causes rather than assume it’s nothing to worry about.

So then the question is: should you go to urgent care or the ER for chest pain? Choosing urgent care for a true emergency could delay life-saving treatment, while going to the ER for a mild issue may lead to unnecessary tests and longer wait times.

That’s why Memorial Springs ER offers both services at the same location. When you arrive, our experienced triage team will evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the appropriate level of care with no guesswork required.

We’re open 24/7 and ready to respond. Walk in any time, book an appointment online, or call ahead to speak with our team about your symptoms today.