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Chest Pain

Chest pain is a symptom that should never be ignored.

If your chest discomfort is only minor, or resolves quickly, it is still recommended that you make an appointment to see a doctor.

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Evaluating Chest Pain

Chest pain refers to discomfort or pain in the chest area, which can range from a mild ache to severe, sharp pain. This sensation may be brief or persistent and can stem from a variety of causes, some of which may require immediate medical attention.

When chest pain is related to a heart issue, it could signal a heart attack, a critical condition in which the blood supply to the heart is obstructed. Another possibility is angina, where the blood supply to the heart is limited. Angina typically occurs during physical exertion and can often be managed with medication, while a heart attack is more urgent and can happen even at rest.

Less serious causes of chest pain include gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), issues with bones, muscles, or lungs, as well as anxiety and panic attacks.

Critical Symptoms

Always seek medical attention, even though not all chest pain indicates a serious condition.

However, if you experience any of the following, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately:

Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, back, or stomach.
Difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness.
Severe chest pain or pressure, often described as squeezing or crushing.

Diagnostic Tests For Chest Pain

Accurate diagnosis of chest pain involves several key tests. The Electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the heart’s electrical activity to identify issues like heart attacks or arrhythmias. A Chest X-Ray provides images of the heart, lungs, and chest wall, helping to spot problems such as lung infections or heart enlargement.

Blood tests check for markers of heart damage, like troponin levels, or other health indicators. An Echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.

Finally, a Stress Test evaluates how the heart performs under physical exertion, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Understanding The Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing chest pain or heart-related conditions, including:

Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 45 for men and 55 for women.
Family History: A family history of heart disease or other related conditions can elevate your risk.
Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are significant risk factors.
Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to heart disease and chest pain.
Stress And Mental Health: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can impact heart health and contribute to chest pain.

Prevention And Self-Care

Preventing chest pain involves a combination of lifestyle changes and regular health check-ups.

To start, maintain a heart-healthy diet and engage in regular exercise. Avoid smoking and make efforts to manage stress effectively.

Additionally, schedule regular check-ups to monitor your heart health and other related conditions.

Cardiac Causes Of Chest Pain

Pericarditis: Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin, double-layered sac that surrounds and protects the heart. This condition can result from various causes, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or injury to the chest.
Angina: Angina refers to chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. This reduced blood flow can result from conditions like coronary artery disease.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, preventing blood from reaching a portion of the heart muscle. This blockage is usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits and blood clots.

Non-Cardiac Causes

Heartburn: Similar to GERD, often caused by stomach acid.
Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung causing sudden sharp pain.
Muscle Strain: Pain from overexertion or injury to chest muscles.
Esophageal Spasms: Intense contractions of the esophagus causing chest pain.
Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Emotional or psychological triggers leading to chest pain.
Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux causing burning in the chest.
Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs causing chest pain, especially with breathing or coughing.
Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clot in the lungs causing sudden pain and difficulty breathing.

Statistics

of all consultations in primary care in the UK are accounted to chest pain

0 -2%

people are living with heart & circulatory diseases

0 Mill

people in the UK living with CHD

0 mill

adults in England do not feel confident in spotting signs of a heart attack

0 in 2

What to do next

For some forms of chest pain, you MUST call an ambulance immediately.

For others, you could consider coming to see one of our doctors who will examine you, conduct the appropriate tests and refer you to a cardiologist if this is needed.

Treatments

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

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Dr Mohammad Mohseyni

Senior General practitioner

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What are some of the risk factors for heart disease?

In terms of heart disease, the high risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Family history of heart disease also plays a major role.

Can chest pain be caused by something other than heart or circulatory issues?

Yes. Chest pain does not always indicate a problem with a major organ (heart, lungs, digestive tract, or gallbladder), It could also be due to a problem with the skin, muscle, or bone in the chest area.

Is it normal to experience chest pain after a heart attack?

Not everyone who has had a heart attack with go on to experience chest pain, although it is possible, particularly after physical exertion or strong emotion. If you have already had a heart attack, your risk of another is increased, and any chest pain at all is cause to see a doctor.

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