Acute Symptoms

Chest Pain

Chest pain can originate from cardiac, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, or psychological causes. Proper evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Some chest pain requires emergency care.

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Understanding

What Causes Chest Pain?

Chest pain can originate from multiple systems within and around the chest. While many people fear cardiac causes, only 15-20% of chest pain presentations are cardiac in nature. However, cardiac causes must always be ruled out first because they can be life-threatening.

Chest pain can result from cardiac, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, or other causes. The location, character, duration, associated symptoms, and triggers help identify the cause. Proper evaluation is essential to differentiate between serious and benign causes.

At MyDoc Urgent Care, we provide rapid evaluation with ECG and cardiac biomarkers to rule out acute coronary syndrome. This rapid assessment allows us to identify serious causes and provide appropriate treatment or referral to emergency care.

Common Signs

Typical Symptoms

Sharp, stabbing chest pain

Dull, aching chest discomfort

Tightness or pressure in chest

Burning sensation in chest

Squeezing sensation in chest

Pain radiating to left arm

Pain radiating to jaw or neck

Pain between shoulder blades

Shortness of breath with chest pain

Nausea or vomiting

Sweating or cold sweats

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Categories

Types of Chest Pain by Cause

Chest pain is categorized by the underlying system involved. Understanding the category helps guide evaluation and treatment.

1

Cardiac (Heart-Related)

Prevalence: 15-20% of chest pain presentations

Common Causes: Acute coronary syndrome, angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias

Characteristics: Central chest pain; may radiate to arms, jaw, neck

Associated Symptoms: Dyspnea, diaphoresis, nausea, syncope

Typical Onset: Sudden or gradual; may worsen with exertion

Critical - requires emergency evaluation

2

Gastrointestinal

Prevalence: 30-40% of chest pain presentations

Common Causes: GERD, esophageal spasm, peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis

Characteristics: Burning sensation; epigastric or substernal

Associated Symptoms: Dysphagia, regurgitation, bloating, abdominal pain

Typical Onset: Often after meals or when lying down

Low to moderate - rarely emergent

3

Pulmonary (Lung-Related)

Prevalence: 10-15% of chest pain presentations

Common Causes: Pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, pleuritis, asthma

Characteristics: Pleuritic (worse with breathing); usually unilateral

Associated Symptoms: Cough, dyspnea, fever, hemoptysis, hypoxia

Typical Onset: Variable; may be acute or gradual

Moderate to critical - depends on cause

4

Musculoskeletal

Prevalence: 20-30% of chest pain presentations

Common Causes: Costochondritis, muscle strain, rib fracture, nerve irritation

Characteristics: Reproducible with palpation; sharp; localized

Associated Symptoms: Localized tenderness, pain with movement, bruising

Typical Onset: Often after trauma, repetitive activity, or lifting

Low - rarely emergent

5

Psychiatric/Anxiety

Prevalence: 10-15% of chest pain presentations

Common Causes: Panic attack, anxiety disorder, depression, somatization

Characteristics: Sharp, localized; variable location

Associated Symptoms: Palpitations, hyperventilation, tremor, fear, dizziness

Typical Onset: Often during stress or anxiety episode

Low - but always requires cardiac evaluation first

6

Other Causes

Prevalence: 5-10% of chest pain presentations

Common Causes: Herpes zoster, breast pain, referred pain from abdomen/spine

Characteristics: Depends on underlying cause

Associated Symptoms: Skin changes (zoster), localized tenderness, radiation

Typical Onset: Variable

Low to moderate - depends on cause

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is urgent care and how does it work?

Urgent care centers are designed to treat those who need attention quickly but don't require an emergency room visit. At MyDoc Urgent Care, you can walk in without an appointment and receive prompt medical attention for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions. Our clinics are open 7 days a week, 12 hours a day (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM), providing extended access beyond typical primary care hours. We offer services such as treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, and preventive care. Our goal is to bridge the gap between your primary care doctor and the emergency room, ensuring you get the care you need, when you need it.

Who do we treat?

We treat patients of all ages, from infants and children to adults and seniors. Whether you have a minor illness, need a physical exam, or require urgent attention for an injury, our team is equipped to help. We welcome both long-time residents and visitors to the area. Our providers are experienced in pediatric, adult, and geriatric care, and we strive to create a welcoming, compassionate environment for every patient. If you have a chronic condition and need prompt care, we can help manage your symptoms and coordinate with your primary care provider if needed.

How do I get started?

Getting care at MyDoc Urgent Care is easy. Simply walk in to any of our locations during business hours—no appointment is necessary. If you have questions or want to check wait times, you can call us at (718) 401-1510. For added convenience, you can also check in online to reduce your wait time. When you arrive, our friendly staff will help you register and guide you through the process. Most visits are completed in under an hour, so you can get back to your day quickly.

How does Urgent Care compare to the ER or a Primary Care Doctor?

Urgent care is designed for non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention but are not severe enough for the emergency room. The average wait time for a primary care appointment can be over 20 days, and ER visits can last over 3 hours. At MyDoc Urgent Care, most visits are completed in less than an hour. We offer a cost-effective alternative to the ER for issues like minor injuries, infections, and illnesses. For life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing, always call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

What about insurance?

We accept most major insurance plans for medical services, including Medicaid and Medicare. If you do not have insurance, we offer affordable self-pay rates and transparent pricing. Our staff can help you understand your benefits, answer questions about coverage, and provide cost estimates before treatment. We believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare, regardless of insurance status.

What conditions do you treat at urgent care?

We treat a wide range of conditions, including cold and flu symptoms, sore throat, ear infections, minor cuts and burns, sprains and strains, rashes, urinary tract infections, allergies, minor fractures, and more. We also provide physical exams for school, work, and sports, as well as vaccinations and on-site lab testing. If you are unsure whether we can help, call us or walk in—our team will assess your needs and provide the appropriate care or referral.

Can I get prescriptions or refills at urgent care?

Yes, our providers can prescribe medications for acute illnesses and minor conditions, such as antibiotics for infections or medications for pain relief. We can also provide short-term refills for certain maintenance medications if appropriate. Please bring a list of your current medications and any relevant medical history to your visit. For long-term medication management, we recommend following up with your primary care provider.

Do you offer pediatric urgent care?

Absolutely! Our clinics are equipped to care for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. We understand that children have unique medical needs and strive to provide a comfortable, family-friendly environment. Our providers are experienced in pediatric care and can treat common childhood illnesses, injuries, and provide physicals and vaccinations.

What should I bring to my urgent care visit?

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card (if applicable), a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records. If you are bringing a child, please bring their immunization records if available. Having this information helps us provide the best and safest care possible. If you have paperwork for work, school, or sports, bring that as well so we can complete it during your visit.

How do I know if I should go to urgent care or the ER?

Urgent care is appropriate for non-life-threatening conditions that need prompt attention, such as minor injuries, infections, or illnesses. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or any other life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care.

Do I need an appointment to visit MyDoc Urgent Care?

No appointment is necessary at MyDoc Urgent Care. We welcome walk-ins at all of our locations during business hours. If you prefer, you can check in online to save time and reduce your wait. Our goal is to make healthcare as accessible and convenient as possible for you and your family.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept most major credit cards, debit cards, cash, and many insurance plans. If you have questions about payment or billing, our front desk staff will be happy to assist you and provide clear information about costs before your visit. We strive to make the billing process transparent and stress-free.

Can I get lab tests or X-rays at urgent care?

Yes, MyDoc Urgent Care offers on-site lab testing and X-ray services for your convenience. This allows us to quickly diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions without the need to send you to another facility. Common tests include strep throat, flu, COVID-19, urinalysis, blood work, and more. X-rays are available for injuries such as sprains, fractures, and chest concerns.

How long will my visit take?

Most visits to MyDoc Urgent Care are completed in less than an hour, including registration, evaluation, and treatment. Wait times may vary depending on the time of day and the number of patients, but we strive to provide prompt, efficient care. You can check in online to further reduce your wait time.

Can urgent care help with work or school forms?

Absolutely! We can provide physical exams for work, school, sports, and camp, as well as complete any necessary forms. Please bring any required paperwork with you to your visit. Our providers will ensure all forms are filled out accurately and promptly so you can meet your deadlines.