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Cardiology

Chest Pain Assessment

Investigating whether chest pain, pressure or tightness comes from the heart through examination and tests.

What is it?

Chest pain can arise from the heart, lungs, digestive system, muscles or skeleton. Pain of cardiac origin is often described as pressure or tightness brought on by exertion and eased by rest, but symptoms vary from person to person.

The assessment covers the features of the pain, risk factors and family history, along with a physical examination and an electrocardiogram. If needed, blood tests, echocardiography, an exercise test or advanced imaging are planned.

Chest pain that starts suddenly, does not ease with rest, or comes with sweating, breathlessness or feeling faint should not wait for a clinic appointment; in an emergency call 112. For a planned assessment, the tests needed and next steps are decided with you after the examination.

Who is it assessed for?

  • Those who feel chest pressure when walking or climbing stairs
  • Those who previously went to the emergency department with chest pain and were advised a follow-up
  • People with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol who have chest complaints
  • Those with a family history of early heart disease
  • Smokers who describe chest pain

Step by step

  1. 1

    Detailed history

    Location, duration and triggers of the pain and risk factors are discussed.

  2. 2

    Examination and ECG

    A physical examination and electrocardiogram are performed.

  3. 3

    Test plan

    Blood tests, echocardiography or an exercise test are planned if needed.

  4. 4

    Reviewing results

    Results are reviewed with you and the next step is set.

  5. 5

    Follow-up

    Advice on risk factors is given and a check-up is scheduled.

Questions

Should I book an appointment or go to the emergency department for chest pain?

For chest pain that is sudden, severe, not eased by rest, or comes with sweating, breathlessness or nausea, call 112. Long-standing intermittent complaints that need investigating in relation to exertion are suited to a planned visit.

Does a normal ECG rule out heart disease?

A resting ECG can be normal in some situations. Additional tests may be needed depending on the nature of the symptoms.

Which documents should I bring?

Bring previous ECGs, blood tests, imaging results and a list of your medicines.

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical examination. Results and the suitable approach vary from person to person.