Types of Chest Pain - Reference Guide

🫀 Types of Chest Pain

Differential Diagnosis Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Condition Cause Symptoms Location Relief Measures
Angina Warning Angina occurs when there isn't enough oxygen-rich blood flowing to part of your heart. Caused by narrowed coronary arteries.
  • Discomfort, tightness, pressure, squeezing, heaviness, dull ache
  • Additional symptoms may include:
  • Nausea, shortness of breath
  • Strange feeling or tingling/numbness in neck, back, arm, jaw or shoulders
  • Light headedness, irregular heart beat
  • May be felt in centre of chest or across chest
  • Into throat or jaw, down arms, between shoulder blades
  • Unstable angina may be unrelated to activity
  • Gradually worsens over 2-5 minutes
  • Usually lasts less than 15 minutes
  • Rest
  • Anginine – dissolved under tongue
  • Nitrolingual sprayed under tongue
Heart Attack EMERGENCY A heart attack happens when plaque cracks inside the narrowed coronary artery - causing a blood clot to form.
  • If the blood clot totally blocks the artery, the heart muscle becomes damaged
  • Similar to angina but lasts longer than 15 minutes
  • Not relieved by rest, Anginine or Nitrolingual spray
  • Additional symptoms may include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, pale skin
  • Shortness of breath, sweating
  • Can occur with unusual chest pain or no pain
  • Unable to pinpoint exact spot
  • May be felt in centre of chest or across chest
  • Into throat or jaw, down arms, between shoulder blades
 MEDICAL EMERGENCY
  • If pain not relieved by Anginine or Nitrolingual spray in 10-15 minutes
  • Stop any physical activity
  • Call emergency services immediately
Stent Pain Stent pain is quite common after a coronary stent is inserted and is thought to be caused by stretching of the artery during the procedure.
  • Sharp, niggling, localized, fleeting
  • Comes and goes
  • Not related to physical activity
  • Middle or left side of chest
  • Can usually pinpoint the spot where it hurts
  • Sitting up and leaning forward
Pericarditis Inflammatory Pericarditis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the heart's sac that surrounds the heart. Causes include:
  • Viral infection
  • Heart attack (Dressler's Syndrome) – usually occurs 2-5 weeks after heart attack
  • Recent heart surgery
  • Sharp, stabbing pain not relieved with rest
  • Additional symptoms may include:
  • Fever, weakness, shortness of breath
  • Coughing, heart palpitations
  • Middle or left side of chest
  • Can travel to one or both shoulders
  • Pain worse when lying down and deep breathing
  • Sitting up and leaning forward
Musculoskeletal Pain (Post-Surgery) It is common to have some chest discomfort after your surgery as your muscles, ligaments, bones, nerves and wounds are healing.
  • Aches (dull or sharp), pains, numbness or tingling on chest
  • Skin feels sensitive
  • Middle or left side of chest
  • May last for 6 months or more
  • Hold pillow or towel against chest when coughing/sneezing
  • Try different positions
  • Use pain killers regularly
  • Massage and touch chest around wound to desensitize nerves
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) EMERGENCY A pulmonary embolism occurs when there is a sudden blockage, usually caused by a blood clot, of an artery in the lung.
  • Sharp or stabbing chest pain worse when taking deep breath
  • Burning, aching, dull or heavy sensation in chest
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Cough that can produce blood stained mucus
  • Additional symptoms: fast heart rate, sweaty/clammy skin, dizziness
  • Middle or on one side of chest
 MEDICAL EMERGENCY
  • Doctors will prescribe medications to dissolve the clot
  • Prevent clots from getting larger
Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) GORD occurs when stomach acid leaks from the stomach into the oesophagus (food pipe).
  • Burning chest pain, pressure, discomfort or "heartburn"
  • Often worse after eating
  • Chest pain not likely associated with physical activity or exercise
  • Middle or on one side of chest
  • Can move up to neck and throat
  • Sitting up or standing upright
  • Antacid medication
  • Avoiding certain foods and drinks
Anxiety The body's stress response causes:
  • Tightening of chest and rib cage muscles
  • Stomach and intestinal distress causing chest pain
 Pain can be described as:
  • Sharp, shooting or burning
  • Pressure or chest tension
  • Can range from slight to severe
  • Related to episodes of nervousness, anxiety, fear or elevated stress
  • Can be located all over chest area
  • May spread to upper back
  • Stress management
  • Relaxation - deep breathing
  • Rest

🚨 Important Medical Disclaimer:

  • Emergency symptoms: Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to arm/jaw requires immediate emergency care
  • When to call emergency services: If chest pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or blue tint to lips/nails
  • Do not delay: Heart attack treatment is most effective when given within 1 hour of symptom onset
  • This guide is for educational purposes - Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice