Deciding whether to visit an urgent care or the ER for chest pain can be critical. Chest pain can indicate a range of medical conditions. The intensity of your pain and accompanying symptoms can help you determine where to seek medical attention. PrimeHealth Urgent Care is designed to handle non-life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention. Our facility is equipped to manage less severe cases, like minor bone fractures, sprains, minor burns, or flu symptoms. If your chest pain is sharp, stabbing, or burning, but improves with rest or over-the-counter pain medication, an urgent care may be the right place for you. Pain that occurs with exertion or activity but resolves quickly can also be addressed at our urgent care center. Mild chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating can be appropriately managed at urgent care. However, ERs have life-saving equipment and specialists available 24/7. If your chest pain is sudden, severe, persistent, or spreading to your arms, neck, or jaw, you should immediately call 911 or head to the nearest ER. Your personal medical history also matters. If you have a history of heart disease or other significant health problems, or any risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, smoking, obesity, age over 50, or pain that occurs during rest or sleep, it's safer to head to the ER for chest pain.