many many things can cause chest pain although we worry about the heart being a cause of it typically first as heart disease can carry some serious consequences. at age 17 the risk of artery blockages leading to chest pain would be very unusual except in some cases of congenital coronary abnormalities. it is important that you have a complete history and phsyical exam by a physician to help look for causes of this persistent pain. they will ask questions about your activity level (for example can you and do you exercise regularly without difficulities? ) and carefully exam your heart lungs and blood vessels. you deserve to get an answer for something like persistent pain and at age 17 it's a good time to be reminded of heart-healthy living with things like eating healthy exercising regularly avoiding tobacco products etc.
the left side of my chest has hurt since childhood but at 17 it has gotten worse. should i have more cardiac tests?