What is it?
Chest pain can feel like a dull ache, a sharp stab, or a crushing or burning sensation. You can feel chest pain anywhere from your jaw to your ribs. You should take any case of chest pain seriously, as it can be a sign of a heart attack.
What will my GP do now?
Your GP will need to find the cause of your chest pain. They will also test for angina, which is when your heart doesn’t get enough blood flow.
Your GP may:
- Arrange a heart health check for you
- Ask you to have several blood tests
- Give you medicine to reduce the risk of a heart attack (this may only be a short-term step until you get the results of your tests)
- Give you advice and resources to manage any heart disease risk factors
- Talk to you about whether you might need to see a cardiologist (a heart health specialist)
What can I do?
The most important step now is for your GP to find the source of your chest pain, so you can be treated. You can help this process by:
- Asking questions, so you know what to do in an emergency
- Booking appointments for any tests as soon as possible
- Taking any medication as instructed
- Making follow-up appointments with your GP
It is important to reduce your heart disease risk factors:
- Quit smoking – speak to your GP or phone 13QUIT
- Exercise regularly – aim to work movement into every day
- Take steps to lose weight – talk to your GP about weight loss management
- Eat a healthy diet – include plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and water
- Reduce alcohol – drink less than two standard drinks per day
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly – your GP can do this for you
