Should you worry about sudden sharp pain between shoulder blades?

Sudden sharp pains between the shoulder blades may indicate a heart attack or an aortic dissection, according to WebMD. Although arthritis may also cause the pain, the more serious possibilities mean that anyone experiencing these pains should seek immediate medical attention.

Sudden pain between the shoulder blades is not a particularly common symptom of a heart attack. It may occur several weeks before the actual heart attack occurs, often during physical exertion, as Prevention explains. It can also be a symptom of angina, a condition in which blood flow is temporarily cut off from the heart. Anyone experiencing this symptom should call 911 and take an aspirin.