Chest discomfort can have many causes. Some are related to the heart, while others may originate from the lungs, stomach, muscles or nerves. A cardiology consultation helps assess whether symptoms need cardiac investigation.
When to seek review
- Pressure, tightness or heaviness in the chest
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
- Chest discomfort with breathlessness, sweating or nausea
- Symptoms that appear with exertion and settle with rest
How evaluation usually proceeds
- Detailed symptom and risk-factor history
- Clinical examination
- ECG and other tests as clinically indicated
Management
Care is individualised after evaluation. Treatment, lifestyle advice or further hospital-based investigation may be recommended depending on the likely cause.
Sudden severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms of a possible heart attack require immediate emergency medical attention. Please call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. This website does not provide emergency care.