pharmasites logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Chest pain

Most chest pain is not a sign of anything serious but get medical advice just in case. Get immediate medical help if you think you're having a heart attack.

Call 999 if:

  • you get sudden pain or discomfort in your chest that does not go away – the pain can feel like squeezing or pressure inside your chest, burning or indigestion
  • you get pain that spreads to your left or right arm, or your neck, jaw, stomach or back
  • you have chest pain and you feel sweaty, sick, light headed or short of breath

You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 straight away as you need immediate treatment in hospital.

See a GP if:

  • you have chest pain that comes and goes
  • you have chest pain that goes away quickly but you're still worried

It's important to get medical advice to make sure it's nothing serious.

Common causes of chest pain

Chest pain has many different causes. In most cases, chest pain is not caused by a heart problem.

Your symptoms might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.

Chest pain symptoms and possible causes
Chest pain symptoms Possible cause
Chest pain symptoms

Starts after eating, bringing up food or bitter tasting fluids, feeling full and bloated

Possible cause

Heartburn or indigestion

Chest pain symptoms

Starts after chest injury or chest exercise, may get worse when you breathe in, feels better when resting the muscle

Possible cause

Chest sprain or strain

Chest pain symptoms

An often sharp, continuous pain triggered by worries or a stressful situation, heartbeat gets faster, sweating, dizziness

Possible cause

Anxiety, depression or panic attack

Chest pain symptoms

Gets worse when you breathe in, coughing up yellow or green mucus, high temperature

Possible cause

Chest infection, pneumonia or pleurisy

Chest pain symptoms

Tingling feeling on skin, skin rash appears that turns into blisters

Possible cause

Shingles

Chest pain and heart problems

The most common heart problems that cause chest pain include:

  • pericarditis – which usually causes a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or lie down
  • angina or a heart attack – which have similar symptoms but a heart attack is life-threatening

You're more likely to have heart problems if you're older or are at risk of coronary heart disease.

For example, you may be at risk of coronary heart disease if you:

Last Reviewed
06 December 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
Pharmasites footer logo.
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
With over a decade's experience working with UK pharmacies and supplying software that manages over 1,500 UK pharmacy websites, you're in safe hands with Pharmasites. Get in touch today!
Menu
Home
Free Upgrade
Pricing
Referrer Rewards
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Features
Easy Website Updates
Interactive Maps
Book NHS & Private Services
Pharmacy First
eCommerce
Built-in NHS A-Z
NHS App Integration
See more features
Pharmasites
11 Anderson Way, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5EF
matt@pharmasites.co.uk
01904 349 316
No store selected for contacts
No contacts at this store
Pharmasites © 2024
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions