Chest pain

What is chest pain?

Chest pain is discomfort or pain felt in the chest. It could be a sharp pain, a squeezing feeling, a dull ache, or pressure on the chest. It can also be felt on the left, right, or centre of the chest.

The pain can also spread to other parts of the upper body, including the arms, neck, jaw, stomach, or back. Pain in the chest can last for a few minutes, hours, or, in some cases, for six months or more.

Everybody experiences pain differently, and it can be difficult to describe what you’re feeling. However, it is important to seek medical help as chest pain can be a sign of something more serious.

When is it an emergency?

Don’t ignore chest pain. There are times when immediate attention is needed, as it could be a sign of a serious issue.

If you notice that your chest pain is sudden, severe, and is felt in the centre or left side of your chest, call 999 or go to the hospital immediately.

Other signs you should call the ambulance or go to the hospital include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, unexplained anxiety, fatigue, palpitations, or cold sweats.

Risk factors

You are more likely to experience chest pain if you have a pre-existing heart condition.

If you also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoke, are overweight or obese, and have had close family members with a history of heart attacks, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing chest pain.

Causes

Chest pain can be caused by a wide range of issues connected to various parts of the body, such as the lungs, digestive system, muscles, skeletal system, or mental. Some are related to the heart. If your chest pain is caused by a heart condition, it may be the following:

Heart rhythm problems
Pericarditis
Myocarditis
Coronary artery dissection
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thick heart muscle)
Aortic aneurysm (weak area in your largest artery)
Aortic dissection (tear in your largest artery)
Aortic stenosis (heart valve that blocks blood flow because it doesn’t open)
Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Heart attack (lack of blood to your heart)

Common causes not related to the heart include heartburn, chest infection, injuries or inflammation, anxiety, shingles, and asthma.

Explore our interactive symptom finder to discover whether other symptoms you may be experiencing are a sign of a heart condition.

Related heart conditions

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when blood is suddenly blocked from flowing to the heart, causing damage to the heart’s tissue.

Heart disease

Heart disease (also known as cardiovascular disease) is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Heart failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t properly pump blood around the body.

Tests to further investigate concerns

CT coronary angiogram

A CT coronary angiogram can help us examine heart arteries and assess your cardiovascular health precisely.

Stress echocardiogram

An exercise echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan. It helps detect how well your heart is working while you are participating in a physical activity such as running.

Heart MRI scan

We can use MRI scans to see a detailed picture of your heart and blood vessels without needing invasive processes.

Book your consultation  with Dr Ravi Assomull today

Looking after your heart is the most important thing you can do to improve your longevity and quality of life in the long term.

We’re here for you during your journey to better heart health. We provide tests and management strategies to help identify what might be wrong and where you can improve your lifestyle to reach prime heart health.

Book an appointment today to speak to our expert Integrative Cardiologist, Dr Ravi Assomull, about your heart concerns.

You can email us at: enquiries@cardiologist.london

Or call us at: 020 3576 2885

Frequently asked questions

Short answers from Dr Ravi Assomull, consultant cardiologist - each one is also available as a video.

What can cause chest pain?

Chest pain has many possible causes, but ruling out heart related conditions such as angina or a heart attack is the first priority. Dr Ravi Assomull explains the various non-cardiac causes of chest discomfort: from muscle strain and costochondritis to acid reflux, which can mimic heart attack symptoms. If your chest pain is persistent or worrying, a consultation with an experienced cardiologist can help rule out serious issues using the latest diagnostic tools. Watch Dr Assomull's answer (0:49).

Should I be worried about chest pain?

Chest pain should never be ignored. In this important video, Dr Ravi Assomull shares when chest pain could be a medical emergency, especially if severe or sudden, and why you should call 999 if in doubt. Watch Dr Assomull's answer (0:15).

I get chest pains when I run, should I be concerned?

Chest pain that occurs during exercise is a cause for concern, as it may indicate angina. Angina is caused by narrowed or blocked heart arteries and increases the risk of a heart attack. Assessment is essential and often includes tests such as a CT coronary angiogram to look for arterial blockages. In many cases, angina can be effectively managed with medication once properly diagnosed. Using a combination of clinical expertise and advanced cardiac imaging, Dr Assomull delivers rapid, accurate diagnoses to help keep your heart safe. Watch Dr Assomull's answer (0:33).