Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about chest pain:

1. What might be causing my chest pain?
   
   
2. Can I tell if my chest pain is due to heart trouble or lung problems or to a less serious condition?
   
   
3. When should I treat chest pain as an emergency?
   
   
4. What tests may be used to determine the cause of my chest pain?
   
   
5. What do these tests involve?
   
   
6. If an upper endoscopy is needed, can it be done in your office, or do I have to have it in a hospital under general anesthesia?
   
   
7. How do I know if my chest pain is serious?
   
   
8. Can medications help my chest pain?
   
   
9. What other types of treatment can reduce my chest pain?
   
   
10. Are there certain exercises and activities I should do or avoid?
    
    
11. How can I prevent chest pain?