Need quick advice, new here, chest pains

I am 37 years old and have been having joint pain off and on for years. I saw the rheum. once a couple of months ago and have been slow to make my follow-up. But the past few weeks I've had a flare-up and have been in moderate pain and very stiff.
I have also had this pressure in my chest that gets worse when I move or take a deep breath, and a cough that could be due to a chronic sinus issue I've had since winter but maybe not. The pain is worse at night, usually right after eating, and although I have reflux it's not relieved by Zantac.
I was reading about pericardial effusion and many of the symptoms seem to fit. Should I go to the ER?
Only you can decide whether your symptoms necessitate an ER visit. I do not think that anyone on an internet discussion forum is skilled enough to make an evaluation re: an ER visit.

How long have you been experiencing these symptoms? Perhaps a visit to urgent care rather than to the ER might be in order if these are not new symptoms. However, current standards of care indicate that recently developed chest pain, especially chest pain that is either intense or unremitting, be evaluated immediately.

At the very least you should schedule an appointment, ASAP, with your primary care provider and your rheumatologist.

Best wishes.
I would suggest that you have this chest pain looked at immediately.... If still persisting.

I had unusual chest pains for a week before I did anything about it.
It would be ok the next day then the next a little worse.
The patern continued for a week until it became so bad that I had to do something about it.

Edited to add: I was having a heart attack.. Get it checked out !
Bodak2009-04-28 00:16:55Hello there

Please have it looked by a professional, it could be so many things. A lot of us get pain in the chest area from RA related problems but then again as Stephen said his unfortunetely was a heart attack. None of us here are qualified to diagnose.

Chest pain should never be minimized. Heart attacks don't always present with the famous crushing pain or pain in left arm or jaw. Chest pain could be as significant as heart or lung trouble or passing gallstones or something that can wait a day ie GERD or hiatal hernia, or muscle strain. But it is always appropriate to go seek advice. Let a doctor tell you it's something that can wait for further testing. I will say though, that by going into the ER, you will get those tests done right away. They will not want to send you away until they know you are not in danger from a heart or serious lung condition and they can help with pain and anxiety. It's better than waiting for appts. What you described could be heart trouble so if you get any more symptoms ie light-headedness or sweating, call 911.... do not drive yourself. It's also a good idea to take an aspirin.

Need quick advice, new here, chest pains | Arthritis Information