Chest pain in children and adolescents

Abstract

• Every patient who has chest pain warrants a thorough evaluation. Usually, the history and physical examination are sufficient to diagnose the cause of the pain. • Based on strong research evidence, musculoskeletal chest pain is the most common cause of chest pain in the pediatric population. (3) Educating and reassuring both the patient and the family about the benign nature of chest pain is of utmost importance. • Based on some research evidence as well as on consensus, a cardiac cause for chest pain is more likely if the pain occurs during exertion. (3) Any coexisting symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia or an abnormal cardiac finding should prompt immediate referral to a pediatric cardiologist.