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If I have chest pain, do I need to call an ambulance?

If you feel chest pain, call emergency services (000 in Australia) without delay. They will ask you a few questions to determine whether you need an ambulance.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What causes chest pain?

Chest pain can have many causes. Some are serious, such as heart attack, while others, such as muscle strain and anxiety, are less serious. If you have chest pain, it is important to treat it as serious and seek medical attention.

How do I know if my chest pain is a heart attack?

It is difficult to know if your chest pain is being caused by a heart attack or something else. That's why it is best to seek medical attention if you have chest pain.

Is chest pain always the main symptom of a heart attack?

Chest pain is not always the main symptom of a heart attack. Some people can have changes in the sensation they feel from their heart muscle. this is usually due to disease, such as diabetes. These people will not necessarily feel …

Is chest pain only experienced by adults?

Although chest pain is commonly felt by adults, there are some factors that can cause a child or teenager to feel chest pain.

What are some common causes of chest pain?

Common causes of chest pain include: abnormal heart rhythms, blockage of arteries to the heart muscle, chest wall injuries, lung infections, and heartburn or indigestion.

Is all chest pain serious?

Although heart conditions that cause chest pain can be serious, there are other less serious and easily treated causes of chest pain such as muscular strain or anxiety.

How is chest pain treated?

The type of treatment for chest pain will vary, depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms. For example, if the chest pain is caused by an underlying heart condition, treatment may include medication, surgery and lifestyle changes.

What happens if chest pain occurs while I am pregnant?

Although there are many potential causes of chest pain during pregnancy, such as: indigestion, stress, heartburn, increased size of breasts and anemia, any unexplained chest pain could be associated with a more serious medical …

Is it safe to have sex if I have previously experienced chest pain?

Some people may be concerned about the risk of having a heart attack during sex, but there is no evidence to suggest that sex increases the risk of experiencing a heart attack. If you get chest pain during sex, it is best …

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Diseases & conditions

Angina

Angina refers to a feeling of pressure, tightness or pain in the chest which occurs when there is poor blood flow to the heart muscle. This is usually the result of cholesterol and fat deposits narrowing the coronary arteries which supply the heart muscle. Lifestyle changes, medications and/or surgery can treat the condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is pain associated with inflammation of joints in the rib cage where cartilage meets the bone of the ribs or the breastbone. It is a common cause of chest pain and is referred to as Tietze syndrome when there is swelling around the affected joints.…
Diseases & conditions

Heartburn

Heartburn, also known as GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid or contents travel from the stomach back up the oesophagus, usually into the mouth. There are numerous treatments to help alleviate symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Gastritis

Gastritis describes a group of conditions characterised by inflammation of the stomach lining. It occasionally causes symptoms like reduced hunger, nausea and indigestion, but in most cases doesn't produce symptoms at all. Gastritis usually isn’t dangerous and generally improves with treatment.…
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Barrett’s esophagus

Barrett's oesophagus occurs when the cells lining the oesophagus – the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach – change from a type of cell called squamous into columnar (cells more typical of the stomach and small intestine), due to damage from acid reflux.…
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Pleurisy

Pleurisy is the inflammation of thin membranes lining the lungs and inner chest wall, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. As the lungs expand the membranes rub together, causing sharp, stabbing chest pains. Medications are often needed to help treat the condition.…

About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 1421 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Angina

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