MQ Health Cardiology Clinic
- Suite 203, Level 2
- 2 Technology Place
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: + 61 (2) 9812 2900
- E: cardiology@mqhealth.org.au
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Find out whyChest pain can be serious so don't ignore it!
Chest pain can occur suddenly or develop slowly over time. If you have chest pain, you should seek urgent medical help.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain as well as:
- pain spreading to shoulders, arms, throat, neck, jaw or back
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- dizziness or weakness
- nausea or vomiting.
Symptoms of heart attack can vary from person to person. Some people may have few symptoms or none at all.
When to call a doctor
If you have new or unexplained chest pain, see a doctor or seek urgent medical help by calling 000.
Causes
Heart-related causes of chest pain include:
- heart attack — resulting from blocked blood flow
- angina — a term for chest pain caused by poor blood flow
- aortic disease.
Other causes of chest pain include:
- indigestion or reflux
- chest muscle strains
- inflamed rib joints
- gallbladder or pancreas problems.
Diagnosis
Immediate tests for chest pain include:
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- blood tests
- chest x-ray
- computerised tomography (CT scan).
Treatment
There are many treatments available for chest pain. Treatment approaches vary and depend on the source of the chest pain as well as any other pre-existing conditions or symptoms.
Common treatments for chest pain include lifestyle modifications, medications, procedures or surgery.
Risk factors
Risk factors include:
- unhealthy eating
- obesity
- being physically inactive
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- family history of heart disease
- age.
