Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
At 40,000 feet over the Atlantic, the concept of "routine" doesn't exist for
medical emergencies. My flight leaves Europe mid-afternoon en route home to the
U.S.. Halfway through the flight, I was half way through watching the midflight
film when the announcement came. Medical help was needed in row 21. An ICU nurse and I both
responded to find a woman in her early 50s lying back in her seat looking rather
ill. She was pale, sweaty and complaining of
chest pain radiating
down her left arm associated with shortness of breath.
The flight attendants had started to move. The woman had been given aspirin, and an oxygen mask was on her face. Passengers nearby were relocated; two large medical equipment bags were already in the aisle.
If you are having severe pain, crushing, squeezing, or pressure in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or if the pain moves into your neck, left shoulder, arm, or jaw, go immediately to a hospital emergency department. Do not drive yourself. Call 911 for emergency transport.
Chest pain is one of the most frightening symptoms a person can have. It is sometimes difficult even for a doctor or other medical professional to tell what is causing chest pain and whether it is life-threatening.
Potentially life-threatening causes of chest pain are as follows:
Causes of chest pain that are not immediately life-threatening include the following:
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