Chest Pain: what to look for and what to do
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Chest pain can have many causes, from muscle strain to indigestion, but it can also be a sign of a heart attack or other serious condition — so new, severe, or unexplained chest pain should always be treated as a potential emergency until assessed by a professional. Call your local emergency number immediately for chest pain with breathlessness, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back, sweating, or feeling faint.
Overview
Chest pain has a wide range of possible causes — some minor, like muscle strain or indigestion, and some serious, like a heart attack, blood clot in the lung, or a problem with the aorta. Because it's impossible to reliably tell the difference from symptoms alone, chest pain that's new, severe, or unexplained is always treated as a potential emergency first.
This page isn't a substitute for emergency assessment — if you're reading this because you or someone nearby currently has chest pain that feels serious, call your local emergency number now rather than continuing to read.
What may help
- This isn't a self-care topic — chest pain always warrants a proper assessment; a pharmacist or GP can help with clearly minor, established causes like muscle strain, but shouldn't be your first stop for new or severe chest pain
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Chest pain with a clear, minor cause (e.g. known muscle strain from exercise) that's mild and not accompanied by any warning signs below can be discussed with a GP or pharmacist if it persists
- Recurring chest discomfort, even if mild, is worth a proper medical assessment rather than repeated self-management
When it could be an emergency
- Chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or a feeling of pressure or tightness
- Pain spreading to the arm (especially the left), jaw, neck, or back
- Sudden, severe chest pain, especially tearing or ripping in quality
- Chest pain with fainting, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out
- Any chest pain in someone with a history of heart disease, or that feels different from a previously diagnosed cause
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Chest Pain" in the appCommon questions
Can chest pain be something minor like indigestion?
Yes, it often is — but because indigestion and a heart attack can feel similar, new or severe chest pain should always be assessed by a professional rather than assumed to be minor.
Should I drive myself to hospital with chest pain?
No — call your local emergency number so trained responders can assess and treat you on the way, rather than driving yourself or being driven.
What should I do while waiting for emergency help?
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, try to stay calm, and if you've been prescribed medication like GTN spray for a known heart condition, use it as directed by your doctor.
Can anxiety cause chest pain?
Yes, but chest pain should not be assumed to be anxiety. New, severe or unexplained chest pain needs to be checked.
What is angina?
Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often brought on by exertion or stress and easing with rest. It needs assessment by a doctor.
Official sources
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General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.