Introduction

Chest pain can be caused by anything from muscle pain to a heart attack and should never be ignored.

Call 999 for an ambulance immediatelyif you develop sudden severe chest pain. This is particularly important if the chest pain:

• feels heavy, pressing or tight
• lasts longer than 15 minutes
• spreads to other parts of your bodysuch asyour arms, back or jaw
• is alongside other symptoms such as Shortness of breath ,nausea, sweating,or coughing up blood

You should also be cautious if you know you'reat risk of coronary heart disease for example, if you smoke, are obese , or have high blood pressure , diabetes or high cholesterol .

If your chest pain is only minor or has resolved itself quickly, it may be more appropriate to either:

• see your GP
• call NHS 111
• attend a local walk-in centre