Chest Pains

31 March 2025

Chest pain can be a serious warning sign of heart disease or other medical conditions.

What is Chest Pain?

Chest pain refers to any discomfort, tightness, or pressure in the chest area. While some causes are mild, others may indicate a serious heart condition such as a heart attack or angina. If you experience sudden or severe chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.

Common Symptoms Associated with Chest Pain

Pressure or Tightness – A squeezing sensation in the chest
Burning or Stabbing Pain – Sharp, localized pain in one area
Pain Radiating to the Arms, Jaw, or Back – A possible sign of heart disease
Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing or feeling winded
Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Feeling faint or unsteady
Sweating & Nausea – Especially with pain in the left side of the chest

If you have chest pain with any of these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

Potential Causes

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) – A blocked artery stopping blood flow to the heart
Angina – Reduced blood flow to the heart causing tightness or discomfort
Pericarditis – Inflammation of the heart’s outer lining
Aortic Dissection – A life-threatening tear in the aorta
Heart Valve Disease – Problems with the heart valves affecting blood circulation

Non-Cardiac Causes

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Acid reflux causing burning chest pain
Pulmonary Embolism – A blood clot in the lungs causing sharp pain
Pneumonia or Pleurisy – Infections leading to lung inflammation
Muscle Strain or Rib Injury – Chest wall pain from physical activity or injury
Anxiety & Panic Attacks – Stress-related chest pain mimicking heart symptoms

Diagnosis

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we use advanced cardiac and diagnostic tests to determine the cause of chest pain:

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Measures heart rhythm to detect abnormalities
Blood Tests (Troponin Levels) – Checks for markers of a heart attack
Chest X-Ray – Identifies lung conditions or rib injuries
Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound) – Examines heart function
CT Scan or MRI – Provides detailed images of the heart and arteries
Coronary Angiography – Detects blocked arteries causing chest pain
Stress Testing – Evaluates heart performance under exertion

Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing serious complications.

Treatment Options

Emergency Treatment (Heart Attack or Severe Cases)

Oxygen Therapy & Medications – To stabilize the heart
Angioplasty & Stenting – To open blocked arteries
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) – For severe artery blockages

Medications for Chest Pain Management

Aspirin & Blood Thinners – Prevent blood clot formation
Beta-Blockers & ACE Inhibitors – Lower blood pressure & reduce heart strain
Nitroglycerin – Relieves angina symptoms
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs (Statins) – Reduces risk of heart disease

Lifestyle Changes & Preventative Care

Heart-Healthy Diet – Low cholesterol, balanced nutrition
Regular Exercise – Helps improve cardiovascular health
Stress Management – Reducing anxiety-related chest pain
Smoking & Alcohol Reduction – Lowers heart disease risk

When to Seek Medical Help for Chest Pain

You should seek urgent medical care if your chest pain:

Is sudden and severe – Could indicate a heart attack
Lasts more than a few minutes – Requires immediate evaluation
Spreads to the arms, jaw, or back – A potential heart condition
Occurs with dizziness, nausea, or sweating – Signs of a cardiac event
Worsens with activity – Could suggest angina or blocked arteries

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide fast diagnosis, expert treatment, and ongoing care to support recovery and reduce future risk. Make an appointment with one of our private GPs who can refer you to our specialist cardiologist. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.