You should never ignore chest pain, but there are times when it requires immediate attention. Call 999 or go to the hospital straight away if your pain is sudden and severe.

Additional signs to call an ambulance include:

• Sweating or feeling breathless with the pain 
• It extends to your arms, back, neck or jaw 
• Your heartbeat becomes very fast or slow 
• Your lips, hands, or nail beds turn blue 
• It lasts over 15 minutes 
• You cough up blood 
• You feel or are sick 

Sudden chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or pericarditis, which requires urgent treatment to prevent heart damage and other complications.

There are many causes of chest pain or discomfort, some related to heart problems and others stemming from digestive, respiratory, muscular or bone issues. If a heart condition is causing your pain, it might be:

• Angina 
• Myocarditis 
• Heart failure 
• Aortic stenosis 
• Aortic dissection 
• Mitral valve prolapse 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) 
• An arrhythmia (heart rhythm problem)

Common causes unrelated to the heart include acid reflux or heartburn, anxiety or a panic attack, shingles, asthma, and a pulled chest muscle. Reflux, heartburn, or indigestion are likely causes if you feel pain after eating, especially if you also have a bad taste in your mouth.

If you visit the emergency department, the healthcare professionals will assess your symptoms and rule out any life-threatening causes.

They may perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if you are having or have had a heart attack. The ECG involves attaching electrodes (sticky patches with wires attached) to your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical signals. They may also do a blood test, chest X-ray, or a CT scan.

If you see a cardiologist (heart specialist) for ongoing chest pain or discomfort, we may recommend the above tests as well as an echocardiogram, exercise stress test, MRI, or angiogram. Once we have confirmed the cause of your symptoms, we can form a tailored treatment plan to suit your needs and preferences.

Preventing chest pain involves adopting a proactive approach to maintain overall heart health and well-being. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can help keep your cardiovascular system strong and reduce the risk of chest pain.

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports heart health by managing weight and controlling cholesterol levels. We recommend avoiding drinking alcohol excessively and quitting smoking if you currently smoke.

Managing stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or finding a hobby you enjoy can also prevent chest pain, as stress can worsen heart-related discomfort. If you have an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, work closely with our specialist to manage it effectively.