Chest pain can range from benign to immediately life-threatening, and missing the dangerous causes can be fatal. In this episode, we break down the 6 deadly causes of chest pain every clinician must recognize: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), pulmonary embolism (PE), esophageal perforation, aortic dissection, pericardial tamponade, and tension pneumothorax.

We walk through how each condition presents, the key physiologic mechanisms driving the symptoms, and the high-yield clues to look out for. Using a practical, bedside approach, we compare management strategies in stable vs. unstable patients, highlighting when to slow down for diagnostics and when to act immediately.

Whether you’re in the ED, ICU, on the wards, or preparing for exams, this episode ties pathophysiology directly to decision-making, helping you recognize red flags, prioritize interventions, and avoid catastrophic misses.