Call Emergency Services NowCrushing, squeezing, or pressure chest pain, especially with arm/jaw pain, sweating, or breathlessness, is a medical emergency. Do not drive yourself. Call 911 / 999 immediately.

Common Causes of Chest Pain

Cause	Typical Feel	Key Clue
Heart attack	Crushing, pressure, radiates to left arm/jaw	Sweating, nausea
Angina	Similar to MI but fades with rest/nitrates	Triggered by exertion
Costochondritis	Sharp, worsens with palpation	Tender rib joints
GERD / acid reflux	Burning, behind sternum	Worse after meals
Pulmonary embolism	Sudden, with breathlessness & fast HR	Recent long trip/surgery
Pneumonia / pleuritis	Sharp, worsens with breath	Fever, cough
Anxiety / panic	Tight, comes with racing heart	Resolves with calm

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Pressure or squeezing in centre of chest lasting >2 minutes
Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, jaw, arms
Sudden shortness of breath
Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
Pale or grey complexion

Women's Symptoms DifferWomen are more likely to have atypical heart attack symptoms: jaw pain, fatigue, nausea without chest pain. Take these seriously too.

When Is Chest Pain NOT an Emergency?

Musculoskeletal Pain

If pressing on your chest wall reproduces or worsens the pain, it is likely a muscle or rib issue: still worth a GP visit but rarely an emergency.

Acid Reflux

A burning sensation that worsens when lying down after eating and improves with antacids points toward GERD rather than cardiac causes.

How do I tell a heart attack from heartburn?

Heart attack pain is typically pressure-like, may radiate to the arm or jaw, and does not improve with antacids. Heartburn is burning, central, and often relieved by antacids or sitting upright. When in doubt, call emergency services.

Can anxiety cause real chest pain?

Yes. Panic attacks can cause genuine chest tightness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. However, always rule out cardiac causes first if the symptom is new.

Should I go to A&E for chest pain?

If chest pain is new, severe, or accompanied by breathlessness, arm/jaw pain, sweating, or fainting: go to A&E or call 999/911 immediately.

Can chest pain be caused by the spine?

Yes. Thoracic spine problems can refer pain to the chest. A physiotherapist or GP can assess this after cardiac causes are ruled out.

Chest Pain: Causes, Warning Signs & Emergency Red Flags