Call 999 Immediately If Chest Pain Is
- Central, crushing, or heavy — 'like a weight on my chest'
- Spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Associated with sweating, nausea, or breathlessness
- Occurring with exertion and easing with rest (possible angina)
- Sudden and severe with breathlessness (possible pulmonary embolism)
- Tearing pain radiating to the back (possible aortic dissection — rare but catastrophic)
Less Urgent Causes (Still See a Doctor)
| Cause | Typical Features |
|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal (costochondritis) | Sharp, worsens with movement or pressing on the area, reproducible |
| Acid reflux/GERD | Burning sensation, worse after meals or lying flat, relieved by antacids |
| Anxiety/panic | Rapid heart rate, tingling, often with a sense of dread, resolves as anxiety settles |
| Muscle strain | History of unusual exercise or lifting, localised tenderness |
Why 'Just to Be Safe' Is the Right Approach
Chest pain assessment cannot be reliably done by the person experiencing it — even doctors experiencing chest pain go to hospital for assessment. There is no harm in seeking emergency assessment for chest pain that turns out to be benign, but significant harm can come from ignoring a heart attack or PE.Never Drive Yourself with Suspected Heart AttackIf you suspect a heart attack, call 999/911 rather than driving yourself or having someone drive you — paramedics can begin treatment immediately and you could lose consciousness while driving.
Aspirin First AidIf a heart attack is suspected and aspirin is available, chew (don't swallow whole) 300mg while waiting for the ambulance, unless you have a known aspirin allergy or are already taking blood thinners without medical advice to do so.
Can chest pain be caused by anxiety alone?
Yes, panic attacks commonly cause chest pain and can feel very frightening. However, distinguishing this from a cardiac cause requires medical assessment, especially for a first episode.
Should young, fit people worry about chest pain?
Heart attacks are less common in young people but do occur, especially with risk factors (smoking, family history, cocaine use, certain heart conditions). Any concerning chest pain deserves assessment regardless of age.
What tests will be done in hospital for chest pain?
ECG, troponin blood test (sometimes repeated), chest X-ray, and depending on findings, further imaging like CT angiogram or stress testing.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.