What it is
The cause is often unclear. It may follow a chest injury, a lot of coughing or strenuous exercise.
Rest, heat and anti-inflammatory painkillers usually help. Because chest pain can have serious causes, new chest pain should always be checked.
Common signs
- Pain and tenderness at the front of the chest
- Pain that is worse when pressing on the area
- Pain on moving, coughing or breathing deeply
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the chest wall
- An ECG or other tests to rule out heart or lung causes if needed
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- ECG and test results
- Notes from emergency or GP visits
Questions to ask your doctor
- Have heart and lung causes been ruled out?
- Which painkillers can I take, and for how long?
- When should I come back if it does not improve?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, sickness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.