Internal Medicine, by video or in person
Chest Pain
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Chest Pain
- Pressure, tightness or heaviness in the centre of the chest
- Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach
- Burning behind the breastbone after meals or on lying down
- Sharp pain on breathing in or coughing
- Pain on pressing a spot on the chest wall
Chest pain has many causes. Some are serious and urgent, such as a heart attack, a blood clot in the lungs or a tear in the main artery. Many are not, such as acid reflux, a strained chest muscle, anxiety or a cough that has gone on for days. The pain alone does not always tell them apart, which is why sudden or severe chest pain should be treated as an emergency until a heart attack has been ruled out. Chest pain that comes and goes over weeks, or pain on pressing the chest wall, can usually be assessed by a doctor without an emergency visit.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Pressure, tightness or heaviness in the centre of the chest
- Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach
- Burning behind the breastbone after meals or on lying down
- Sharp pain on breathing in or coughing
- Pain on pressing a spot on the chest wall
- Breathlessness, sweating, nausea or feeling faint with the pain
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital emergency department now, and do not drive yourself, for chest pain that is sudden, severe, crushing or lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, fainting, or pain in the arm, jaw or back. Go now too for chest pain with coughing up blood, or chest pain with fever in someone with sickle cell disease. See a doctor soon for chest pain that comes on with exercise and eases with rest, or burning pain after meals that keeps returning.
Treatment options
- Emergency assessment with an ECG and blood tests when a heart cause is possible
- Treatment of the cause once found: heart, lungs, gullet or muscle
- Medicine to reduce stomach acid for reflux pain
- Pain relief and rest for a strained chest muscle
- Referral to a cardiologist for exercise testing or a heart scan when needed
Common Questions
Can a doctor assess chest pain by video?
Not sudden or severe chest pain: that needs an emergency department. A video consultation is suitable for pain that has come and gone over weeks without warning signs, to decide which tests you need and how urgently.
Can young people have a heart attack?
It is less common, but it happens, especially with smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history of early heart disease or some recreational drugs. Age alone is not a reason to ignore warning signs.
How do I tell heartburn from heart pain?
Sometimes you cannot: even doctors need an ECG. Burning after meals that settles with antacids is more likely reflux, but new chest pain, especially with exertion, breathlessness or sweating, should be checked urgently.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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