A chest X-ray in Miami is often the first test a doctor orders for chest pain that is not an emergency, or for a cough or shortness of breath that will not go away.
The exam is fast, painless, and uses a very small dose of radiation.
Knowing what it can and cannot see helps you read your results and see why your doctor may order a second test.
When Does Chest Pain Need the ER Instead of an X-Ray?
Call 911 if chest pain is new, strong, or comes with shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, or pain in your arm, back, neck, or jaw.
Do not drive yourself to an imaging center. An outpatient X-ray is for symptoms a doctor has already checked.
The American Heart Association lists the heart attack warning signs and says calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get treatment.
Women may also feel anxiety, nausea, or unusual tiredness.
A chest X-ray cannot diagnose a heart attack. It shows the outline of your heart, not the arteries that feed it. Doctors check for a heart attack with blood tests and an EKG.
Even an EKG has limits, as our post on how accurate EKGs are explains.
What a Chest X-Ray in Miami Can Show
A chest X-ray shows your lungs, heart, airways, blood vessels, and the bones of your chest and spine.
The RadiologyInfo chest X-ray guide, run by the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America, lists these common uses:
- Pneumonia and other lung infections
- Fluid or air collecting around the lungs
- An enlarged heart and signs of heart failure
- Emphysema
- Some lung tumors
- Chest injuries, such as broken ribs
The American College of Radiology rates a chest X-ray as usually appropriate as the first scan for sudden chest pain when heart disease is unlikely.
Its 2024 update says the same for long-term, nonheart-related shortness of breath.
For more on what X-rays can show, including bones and infections, see our separate explainer.
What a Normal Chest X-Ray Does Not Rule Out
A normal result means the radiologist saw no clear problem. It does not mean nothing is wrong. Three serious conditions can hide on a clean-looking X-ray.
- A blood clot in the lungs. RadiologyInfo states that a pulmonary embolism cannot be seen on a chest X-ray. If your doctor suspects one, the usual next test is a CT scan with contrast dye.
- A heart attack or blocked arteries. The X-ray shows the heart’s size and shape, not blood flow or the inside of the heart.
- Small lung cancers. Small tumors may not show up, so a chest X-ray is not a lung cancer screening test. Current and former heavy smokers who qualify should ask about low-dose CT screening instead.
The costly mistake is treating a normal X-ray as the final answer. If your symptoms continue or get worse after a clear result, tell your doctor.
How Doctors Decide What Comes After a Chest X-Ray
The next test depends on what the X-ray found and the symptoms you still have. Think of the X-ray as a sorting step.
- The X-ray shows an infection or fluid. Your doctor treats the cause. You may need a repeat X-ray later to see whether it cleared.
- Your breathing is still poor, but the X-ray is clear. A pulmonary function test measures how well your lungs move air. The American College of Radiology lists a chest CT without contrast as a second step when the cause is unclear, or COPD is suspected.
- You have chest pain, but your lungs look normal. Your doctor may turn to heart tests, such as an EKG, an echocardiogram, or a stress test.
- The X-ray shows a spot or mass. A CT scan gives a much more detailed view.
Your doctor weighs your age, history, and exam before ordering more.
What Happens During Your Chest X-Ray Visit
The exam needs almost no prep and usually takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
A technologist takes two pictures while you stand against a flat plate, one from the back and one from the side.
Before and during the exam:
- Wear loose clothes and leave jewelry at home. You may change into a gown.
- Tell the technologist if there is any chance you are pregnant.
- Expect to hold your breath for a few seconds during each picture.
- Bring older chest X-rays from elsewhere so the radiologist can compare them.
A radiologist reads your images and sends a signed report to your doctor, who goes over the results with you.
You will need a doctor’s order. We are open late and on Saturdays, and many tests can be booked within 24 hours.
Some patients also use our walk-in testing option. Our chest X-ray services page has the details.
Getting Your Chest X-Ray Close to Home
If your doctor ordered a chest X-ray for a lingering cough, mild chest pain, or shortness of breath, bring the order, your photo ID, your insurance card, and a note on when your symptoms started.
Our Hialeah diagnostic center is one of our Miami-Dade locations that offers chest X-rays.
Call 305-596-9992 to book, and call 911 if your symptoms get worse while you wait.
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