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Chest pain

Chest pain is one of the most concerning symptoms people experience. It can feel sharp or dull, heavy or tight, or present as a burning, squeezing, or pressure-like discomfort. For some, the sensation is mild and fleeting; for others, it may last minutes or hours and spread into the arms, jaw, back, or upper abdomen. Because chest pain has many possible causes—some serious and others harmless—early expert assessment is essential.
When Chest Pain Needs Emergency Care
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Chest pain should never be ignored. Call 999 immediately if your chest pain is:
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  • Sudden, severe, or worsening
  • Associated with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Radiating into your arm, back, jaw, neck, or shoulder
  • Accompanied by nausea, sweating, or collapse
  • Lasting longer than 15 minutes
  • Associated with a very fast or very slow heartbeat
  • Causing blue lips, hands, or nail beds
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These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, or acute pericarditis, all of which require urgent treatment.
Man sitting on sofa holding chest, experiencing discomfort or pain. Concept of health, hea

Other Symptoms That May Accompany Chest Pain

Depending on the cause, chest pain can occur with:
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  • Palpitations
  • Light-headedness or fainting
  • Breathlessness
  • Coughing
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Swelling of the legs or ankles
  • Pain or discomfort after eating
  • Symptoms that worsen with exercise or stress
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Sharing these details during your consultation helps build a clear picture of what may be causing your symptoms.
Doctor Examining Patient

What Causes Chest Pain?

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Chest pain can originate from the heart, lungs, oesophagus, muscles, or even the nerves of the chest wall. Causes vary widely, and not all chest pain is cardiac.
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Cardiac causes

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Heart-related conditions that can produce chest discomfort include:
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  • Angina (reduced blood flow to the heart)
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Aortic stenosis
  • Aortic dissection
  • Myocarditis
  • Mitral valve prolapse
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or fast heart rhythms
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Non-cardiac causes

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Chest pain can also come from:
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  • Acid reflux or heartburn
  • Indigestion or oesophageal spasm
  • Muscular strain
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Lung problems such as pneumonia or pleurisy
  • Shingles
  • Gallbladder or upper abdominal issues
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If your discomfort occurs after meals, worsens when lying flat, or improves with antacids, oesophageal causes may be more likely.

How Chest Pain Is Investigated

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During your consultation, I will assess your symptoms, medical history, and cardiovascular risk factors. To determine the cause of your chest pain, the following tests may be recommended:
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  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood tests, including cardiac enzymes
  • Chest X-ray or CT scan (if needed urgently)
  • Echocardiogram to assess the heart’s structure and function
  • Exercise stress testing
  • Cardiac MRI for detailed imaging
  • Coronary angiography if coronary artery disease is suspected
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These investigations help identify whether your pain is heart-related or due to another cause.

Treatment Options

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Treatment depends entirely on the underlying diagnosis. Your care may include:
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Lifestyle and medical management

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  • Adjusting blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes treatments
  • Prescribing anti-anginal medication
  • Managing reflux or digestive causes
  • Supporting stress and anxiety reduction
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Interventional or surgical treatments

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If blockages or structural problems are identified, you may require:
  • Coronary angioplasty and stenting
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
  • Valve intervention or replacement
  • Treatment for arrhythmias, such as medication or ablation
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Before any treatment begins, I will explain the findings, discuss your options in detail, and tailor a plan to your needs and preferences.

Preventing Chest Pain

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A heart-healthy lifestyle plays a major role in preventing chest pain and reducing future cardiac risk. Helpful strategies include:
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  • Regular physical activity such as brisk walking or swimming
  • A balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
  • Managing stress through mindfulness or structured support
  • Monitoring and treating high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes
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If you are experiencing chest discomfort—whether new, persistent, or worrying—an expert assessment can provide clarity and reassurance.
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