Objective: This study aimed to distinguish chest pain characteristics between patients with and without acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at Vietnam National Heart Institute.
Methods: A case-control study using a structured chest pain assessment questionnaire was performed to examine pain characteristics.
Results: Smoking, a history of heart attack, and a family history of cardiovascular disease were associated with increased ACS-related chest pain risk. Patients without ACS more frequently reported left or central chest pain, mild discomfort, pain triggered by activity, and relief with rest or nitroglycerin. ACS-related chest pain was more often characterized by pain radiating to the back, a sensation of tightness or severe discomfort, gradual intensity increase, occurrence at rest or with minimal exertion, and accompanying sweating. No significant sex differences were found in ACS-related chest pain symptoms.
Conclusions: Targeted assessment of chest pain features-such as pain radiation, pressure sensation, symptom escalation, duration, activity triggers, and relief factors-could improve public awareness and support the development of educational resources on ACS and non-ACS symptoms.
Keywords: Chest pain; acute coronary syndrome; cardiovascular risk factor; case-control study; non-acute coronary syndrome; pain assessment.