Sharp chest pain can be alarming, but it’s not always a sign of a serious problem. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine when to seek immediate medical attention and when to schedule a non-urgent doctor’s visit.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help for Chest Pain
Call 999 (or your local emergency number) immediately if:
- You experience sudden, persistent chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away. The pain may feel like squeezing, pressure, burning, or indigestion.
- The pain spreads to your left or right arm, neck, jaw, stomach, or back.
- You have chest pain accompanied by sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.
These symptoms could indicate a heart attack, requiring immediate hospital treatment.
When to Schedule a Non-Urgent Doctor’s Appointment for Chest Pain
While not all chest pain is an emergency, it’s crucial to seek medical advice to rule out serious conditions.
See a GP (General Practitioner) if:
- You have chest pain that comes and goes.
- Your chest pain subsides quickly, but you’re still concerned.
A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Chest Pain
Chest pain can stem from various sources, and in most cases, it’s not related to a heart problem. Identifying accompanying symptoms can help pinpoint the potential cause. However, remember to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Possible Causes Based on Symptoms:
- Heartburn or Indigestion: Pain after eating, regurgitation of food or bitter fluids, feeling full and bloated.
- Muscle Strain or Sprain: Pain after chest injury or exercise, worsening with deep breaths, improving with rest.
- Anxiety, Depression, or Panic Attack: Sharp, continuous pain triggered by stress or worry, rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness.
- Chest Infection, Pneumonia, or Pleurisy: Pain worsening with inhalation, coughing up yellow or green mucus, fever.
- Shingles: Tingling skin sensation, rash developing into blisters.
Chest Pain and Heart Problems
Although less common, chest pain can be a symptom of heart conditions like angina or a heart attack. Risk factors for heart problems include:
- Older age
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Family history of heart attacks or angina in relatives under 60
Seeking Medical Attention for Chest Pain
While this information provides a general overview, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for any chest pain concerns. They can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Never self-diagnose or delay seeking medical help if you experience concerning chest pain.
