Chest Pain

When chest pain is an emergency

Call 999 straight away if you have:

• Sudden chest pain that doesn't go away
• Pain that feels like squeezing, pressure, burning or bad indigestion
• Pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, stomach or back
• Chest pain with sweating, feeling sick, dizzy or out of breath

These could be signs of a heart attack. You need treatment in hospital right away.

When to see your GP

Speak to your GP if you have:

• Chest pain that comes and goes
• Chest pain that went away quickly but you're still worried

It's important to get checked, even if the pain has stopped. Your GP can make sure it's nothing serious.

What causes chest pain?

Most chest pain is not caused by heart problems. Here are some common causes:

Heartburn or indigestion

• What it feels like: Pain that starts after eating
• Other signs: Bringing up food, bitter taste in your mouth, feeling full and bloated
• What helps: Avoiding spicy foods, eating smaller meals

Pulled muscle (chest strain)

• What it feels like: Pain that started after exercise or injury
• Other signs: Hurts more when you breathe in, feels better when you rest
• What helps: Rest and gentle movement

Worry or stress (anxiety)

• What it feels like: Sharp pain that comes on suddenly
• Other signs: Fast heartbeat, sweating, feeling dizzy
• When it happens: Often during stressful times

Chest infection

• What it feels like: Pain that gets worse when you breathe in
• Other signs: Coughing up yellow or green mucus, high temperature
• What helps: Rest, fluids, and speaking to your GP

Shingles

• What it feels like: Tingling on your skin, then a rash that turns into blisters
• Where it appears: Usually on one side of your chest
• What helps: Early treatment from your GP

Heart-related chest pain

Some chest pain is caused by heart problems:

Angina

• Pain that comes on with exercise or stress
• Usually goes away with rest
• Needs treatment from your GP

Heart attack

• Sudden, severe pain that doesn't go away
• This is a medical emergency - call 999

Heart lining inflammation

• Sharp, stabbing pain
• Gets worse when you breathe deeply or lie down

Who's more at risk of heart problems?

You're more likely to have heart-related chest pain if you:

• Are older
• Smoke
• Are very overweight
• Have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol
• Have family members who had heart attacks or angina before age 60

What to remember

• Most chest pain is not serious
• Never ignore sudden, severe chest pain - call 999
• Always speak to your GP if you're worried about chest pain
• Don't try to diagnose yourself - your GP can help work out what's causing your pain

If you're unsure whether your chest pain needs urgent attention, it's always better to be safe. Call 111 for advice or speak to your GP.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.