Chest Pain: Recognising the Warning Signs
Some causes are emergencies, others are benign.
Dr. Marc Aubry
Cardiologist
In simple terms
Chest pain is among the most anxiety-provoking symptoms. Quick triage saves lives without overwhelming hospitals.
What you need to remember
- Other serious causes — Pulmonary embolism (sudden breathlessness)
- Benign causes — Musculoskeletal (reproducible with palpation), gastro-oesophageal reflux, anxiety/panic attacks.
- Investigation — ECG, troponin, sometimes chest imaging.
Central, oppressive, radiating to arm or jaw, triggered by exertion, accompanied by sweating, nausea, breathlessness — call emergency services.
Other serious causes
- Pulmonary embolism (sudden breathlessness)
- Aortic dissection (tearing pain to back)
- Pneumothorax (sudden one-sided pain)
- Pneumonia, pericarditis
Benign causes
Musculoskeletal (reproducible with palpation), gastro-oesophageal reflux, anxiety/panic attacks.
Investigation
ECG, troponin, sometimes chest imaging. Stress testing or coronary CT for ongoing suspicion.
When in doubt, call emergency services: ruling out a heart attack is straightforward in hospital and dangerous at home.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Anxiety
- Ongoing worry or fear that is strong enough to affect daily life.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Chest Pain: Recognising the Warning Signs?
- Chest pain is among the most anxiety-provoking symptoms. Quick triage saves lives without overwhelming hospitals.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Chest Pain: Recognising the Warning Signs?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Chest Pain: Recognising the Warning Signs?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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