How do i know when chest pain not a heart attack?

Quality, risk: Look at the risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, male sex, diabetes, +family history of heart attack, smoking, previous event, known atherosclerois. The type of pain helps somewhat, pressure on chest with radiation, sob, cold sweat but if in doubt, don't procrastinate, have evaluation and know your risks including heart studies if needed.

Cardiology: After a cardiology evaluation including ekg, blood work , stress test includind nuclear or echo. If no DX made, you may need a angiogram of the heart arteries. All these tests will be considered on the basis of your history and family history.