Chest pain: when to call for help
The cause cannot be determined safely without assessment. The type of pain, breathlessness, exertion, radiation, age, and risk factors matter.
Common possible causes
- Muscle or chest-wall strain
- Acid reflux or oesophageal irritation
- Respiratory infection or pleurisy
- Heart or lung disease, including heart attack or pulmonary embolism
What you can do now
- Stop exertion and sit down
- Note onset, duration, radiation, and triggers
- Do not drive yourself with severe or new symptoms
- Do not try to “push through” serious pain
When not to wait
- Pressure or tightness spreading to the arm, back, or jaw
- Breathlessness, cold sweat, nausea, or fainting
- Sudden severe pain or coughing blood
- Pain with exertion in someone at increased heart risk
When to contact a clinician
New, unexplained, or recurrent chest pain needs medical assessment. Call emergency services immediately when warning signs are present.
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I have chest pain. It started…, feels like…, lasts…, worsens with…, breathlessness yes/no, spreading pain yes/no.