Te mamae uma Chest pain

Chest pain is common and is usually caused by a minor problem. But chest pain can also be caused by a serious problem like a heart attack. It is important to get advice from a healthcare provider to find out what is causing any new chest pain.

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Heart attack

Heart attack symptoms typically last more than a few minutes and may come and go. Symptoms vary from person to person. If you think you or someone near you is having a heart attack, do not wait. Call 111 immediately. Symptoms may include:

  • heaviness, tightness, pressure, discomfort or pain in the chest, shoulder, jaw, arm, neck or back
  • feeling sick, sweaty, short of breath, tired or dizzy
  • angina medication is being taken and symptoms do not go away within 10 minutes or are severe or getting worse.

Causes of chest pain

Chest pain has many possible causes, including:

  • heart issues, including heart attack and angina
  • indigestion, heartburn or reflux
  • gallstones or an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • sore or injured muscles or bones around the chest
  • lung issues such as chest infection (pneumonia) or a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
  • panic attacks or anxiety
  • shingles
  • breast pain.

Heart (internal link)

Symptoms of chest pain

Chest pain can feel different depending on the cause.

Chest pain from a heart attack can feel like pressing, tightness or a heavy sensation in the chest.

Other symptoms with a heart attack include:

  • discomfort or pain around the arms, jaw, back, shoulders or neck
  • shortness of breath
  • weakness, fainting or dizziness
  • sweating
  • nausea or vomiting.

With chest pain not caused by a heart issue you may notice:

  • an acidic taste in your mouth, bringing up food and pain starting after eating
  • pain gets better or worse when you change body position
  • pain gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
  • tenderness when you push on your chest.
It is important to seek medical advice to find the cause of any chest pain.

Diagnosing chest pain

Contact your healthcare provider to find out what is causing your chest pain.

If you are not sure what to do call Healthline for free advice on 0800 611 116.

Your healthcare provider will:

  • ask you questions about your chest pain
  • check if you have any risk factors that increase your chance of heart disease, such as smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure
  • check your blood pressure and pulse
  • listen to your heart and lungs.

They may order some tests, including:

  • blood tests
  • a chest x-ray
  • an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart
  • a gastroscopy — a thin flexible tube with a camera passed through your mouth to examine the lining of your food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach.

Treating chest pain

The treatment for your chest pain depends on the cause.

Related websites

Heart attack warning signs

Learn to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them.

heartfoundation.org.nz

Chest pain

Know what to do for chest pain that lasts for more than 10 minutes — it could be serious.

stjohn.org.nz