The Chest Clinic
Chest pain
When to call 999
Call 999 for sudden chest pain or discomfort that does not go away, pain spreading to an arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach, or chest pain with sweating, nausea, light-headedness or breathlessness. Do not wait for a private appointment.
What can cause chest pain?
Chest pain can arise from the heart, lungs, chest wall or digestive system. Causes include muscle strain, reflux, chest infection and inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleurisy). Serious causes include a heart attack, a blood clot in the lungs or a collapsed lung. The pattern of pain alone cannot safely establish the cause.
How is it assessed?
A clinician asks about the onset, duration, location and triggers of pain, associated symptoms and risk factors. Examination and tests depend on the suspected cause and urgency. Suspected heart-related pain may need an ECG and blood troponin tests in hospital; a normal ECG alone does not rule out a heart attack. Chest X-ray or other imaging may be needed for lung-related causes.
How is it treated?
Treatment follows the diagnosis. Pleurisy may require pain relief and treatment of an underlying cause; a bacterial infection may need antibiotics. Heart problems, blood clots and a collapsed lung require their own urgent treatment pathways. Do not assume pain is muscular or reflux without appropriate assessment.
Getting medical advice
Seek medical advice for pain that comes and goes or resolves but remains concerning. New sharp pain when breathing or coughing needs prompt advice from your GP or NHS 111. After urgent causes have been assessed, our team can investigate suspected respiratory causes.
Routine appointment contacts | Clinic locations
Sources and further information
NHS: chest pain and emergency advice
NICE CG95: assessment of suspected cardiac chest pain
General information for adults; investigation and treatment are tailored to you.