Seeing your GP about chest pain

GP, 111 or 999?

Not sure? Use the 1-minute check.

Before the appointment

GP appointments are short. A bit of preparation means nothing gets missed. Write down:

If you can, keep a short diary for a week or two before you go.

Tests you might have

1. Examination.Your GP will listen to your heart and chest, check your pulse and blood pressure, and press on your chest to see if it’s tender.
2. ECG.A painless recording of your heart’s electrical activity. A normal ECG is reassuring, but doesn’t rule out angina, because the heart can look normal at rest.
3. Blood tests.Usually cholesterol, blood sugar (HbA1c), kidney function and a blood count, to check your risk and look for other causes.
4. Referral to a chest pain clinic.If angina is possible, you may be referred to a rapid access chest pain clinic, usually seen within about two weeks.
5. A heart scan.NICE guidance recommends a CT coronary angiogram as the first test for many people. It’s a scan that shows narrowings in your heart arteries, done as an outpatient. Some people have a stress test or an echocardiogram instead or as well.

Questions to ask

• What do you think is causing the pain?
• Could it be my heart? What would make you more or less concerned?
• Do I need any tests, and how long will they take?
• Should I avoid anything, such as exercise, until then?
• What should make me call 999 or come back sooner?

If you don’t feel listened to

If your symptoms continue or get worse, go back. It’s reasonable to ask “What else could this be?” or “Could I be referred for a heart test?” You can ask to see a different GP. If you have concerns about hospital care, every NHS trust in England has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) that can help.

And whatever you’ve been told before: if you get chest pain that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with other warning signs, call 999.