The long-term effects are related to the underlying cause of the chest pain. For example, a heart attack may result in heart failure or death. The pain itself may cause discomfort severe enough prevent sleeping and other activities. Chest pain itself poses no risks to others. However, a person's chest pain may be due to a contagious infection such as pneumonia .
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the chest pain.
For example, a person with an infection such as pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. A person with aortic dissection may need surgery. Pain medications can be given to control pain. In some cases this is the only option since the underlying cause cannot be treated. An example of this situation would be a person with chest pain due to lung cancer .