Chest pain can be alarming, but not all chest pain is caused by heart disease. Many cases are due to musculoskeletal pain, acid reflux, lung conditions, inflammation, or anxiety. Our urgent care provides same-day evaluation and treatment for non-cardiac chest pain in adults and children — no appointment required.
If heart-related chest pain is suspected, we will rapidly triage and direct emergency care.
Common Causes of Non-Cardiac Chest Pain
Non-cardiac chest pain may result from:
Musculoskeletal Causes
Costochondritis
Muscle strain
Rib injury
Chest wall inflammation
Gastrointestinal Causes
Acid reflux (GERD)
Esophagitis
Gastritis
Hiatal hernia
Pulmonary / Respiratory Causes
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Pleurisy
Asthma flare
Viral respiratory infections
Other Causes
Anxiety or panic symptoms
Nerve irritation
Post-COVID chest discomfort
Symptoms That May Indicate Non-Cardiac Pain
Sharp or stabbing pain
Pain with movement or deep breath
Pain when pressing on the chest wall
Pain after coughing or exercise
Burning sensation (acid reflux)
Pain that improves with rest or position changes
Evaluation at Urgent Care May Include
Depending on symptoms, evaluation may involve:
Physical exam
Lung & respiratory assessment
ECG/EKG (to screen for cardiac involvement if needed)
Chest X-ray (when indicated)
Pulse oximetry
Infection testing (COVID, Flu, RSV)
GI symptom assessment
Anxiety screening
If findings suggest risk for heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or other emergencies, we will arrange urgent transfer to the ER.
When to Come to Urgent Care
Urgent care is appropriate if chest pain is:
Mild to moderate
Musculoskeletal or reproducible
Related to coughing or breathing
Associated with reflux or heartburn
Persistent but not severe
Related to respiratory illness
When Emergency Care Is Recommended
Call 911 or go to the ER for:
Severe crushing chest pain
Radiation to arm, jaw, or back
Sweating, nausea, or vomiting
Shortness of breath at rest
Loss of consciousness or dizziness
Known heart disease or prior heart attack
Sudden onset with neurological symptoms
Our urgent care clinicians can identify concerning features and escalate appropriately.
Treatment May Include
Treatment is based on the underlying cause and may involve:
Anti-inflammatory medication
Acid reflux medication
Muscle relaxants
Antibiotics (if pneumonia suspected)
Bronchodilators (for asthma)
Steroids (for lung inflammation or costochondritis)
Anxiety management strategies
Rest and activity modification guidance
To schedule an appointment, please visit our appointment page or call us at (352) 399 2422 for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can urgent care evaluate chest pain?
Yes. We evaluate mild to moderate chest pain, determine likely causes, and screen for serious conditions. If cardiac emergency is suspected, we will direct immediate ER care.
What types of chest pain are appropriate for urgent care?
Urgent care can evaluate chest pain related to coughing, respiratory illness, musculoskeletal strain, inflammation, reflux, anxiety, or non-cardiac discomfort.
Can urgent care rule out a heart attack?
Urgent care can perform screening such as ECG and vital assessment. If concerning cardiac features are detected, the patient will be transferred to the ER for complete evaluation.
What can cause non-cardiac chest pain?
Chest pain may be related to inflammation, muscle strain, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma flare, reflux, anxiety, or viral infections.
When should I go to urgent care for chest pain?
Urgent care is appropriate for mild to moderate chest pain that is persistent, related to breathing, coughing, movement, or reflux, or when the cause is uncertain.
When should I go to the ER for chest pain?
Seek emergency care for crushing chest pain, radiation to arm/jaw/back, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or known heart disease.
Do you evaluate children and adults?
Yes. Both pediatric and adult patients can be evaluated.
