Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Chest pain

Chest pain often comes from muscles, acid reflux or stress, but can also indicate a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, collapsed lung or tear in the aorta. New pressure-like pain with breathlessness or feeling ill needs immediate assessment.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

Chest pain often comes from muscles, acid reflux or stress, but can also indicate a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, collapsed lung or tear in the aorta. New pressure-like pain with breathlessness or feeling ill needs immediate assessment.

  • Pressure, heaviness, tightness, burning or pain in the centre or left side of the chest.
  • Pain radiating to an arm, shoulder, back, jaw or upper abdomen.
  • Stop exertion and sit quietly if you develop new chest pain.
  • Call for help immediately with warning signs and do not drive yourself to emergency care.
  • Get in touch the same day for new chest pain without signs of an immediate threat to life.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
C
Calf painCalf pain is often caused by muscle cramp or injury, but a painful, swollen, warm calf may indicate deep vein thrombosis. New breathlessness, chest pain or fainting may indicate a pulmonary embolism and requires immediate help.
T
Thickened heart muscleA thickened heart muscle can result from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long-standing high blood pressure, a narrowed heart valve or other diseases. The cause determines risk and treatment; fainting during exercise, severe chest pain or sudden breathlessness needs immediate assessment.
H
Heart attackA heart attack usually occurs when a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, leaving part of the heart muscle short of oxygen. It often causes chest pressure or pain, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain spreading to other areas, but symptoms can also be less typical. If you suspect a heart attack, do not wait: call Ambulance 912 immediately and do not drive yourself.