Chest Pain Over 50: 3 Mistakes You Should Never Make

Chest pain is one of those symptoms people often misunderstand — and making the wrong decision can have serious consequences. In this video, I share three important mistakes I’ve seen people make with chest pain during my years working as a nurse. A heart attack doesn’t always look like it does in the movies. The pain may not be severe or crushing, and symptoms can sometimes be surprisingly mild. You may experience pressure or discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, sweating or clamminess, or discomfort spreading into the arm, jaw or back. I also explain why symptoms that settle or disappear shouldn’t automatically be dismissed. Recurring chest discomfort, unexplained breathlessness, or symptoms that appear with activity and then improve can still warrant medical assessment. Finally, I discuss why driving yourself to hospital when you may be having a heart attack can be a dangerous decision. Ambulance crews can assess you, monitor your heart and begin important treatment before you even reach hospital. Knowing what to look for — and knowing when to act — could make an enormous difference. This video is for general education only and isn’t a substitute for individual medical advice. If you have new or concerning chest pain or think you may be having a heart attack, seek emergency medical help.