Most chest pain is not caused by the heart. Muscular strain, acid reflux and anxiety are far more common — but cardiac chest pain is the one that must not be missed.
What cardiac chest pain feels like
Angina is usually a tightness, pressure or heaviness across the chest, brought on by exertion or stress and eased by rest. It may spread to the arm, neck or jaw, and is often accompanied by breathlessness.
Pain that comes on at rest, lasts more than a few minutes or is accompanied by sweating, nausea or collapse may be a heart attack — call 999.
The pattern of the pain tells us more than its severity. A short, clear history is often the most valuable test of all.
How we investigate
A consultation begins with your story and an ECG. Depending on the picture, Dr Rauf may arrange an echocardiogram, a stress test, a cardiac CT with calcium score or — where needed — a diagnostic angiogram.
- Pain on exertion that eases with rest should be assessed promptly
- Pain at rest with sweating or breathlessness is an emergency — call 999
- A normal ECG does not rule out coronary disease
What this means for you
If you have chest pain that worries you, do not wait for it to settle. A single consultation can either reassure you or start treatment at the stage when it makes the most difference.
