All Ages

Chest pain that spreads down the arms, into the back or into the jaw, can be more suggestive of pain coming from the heart. To investigate this, it is best for patients to have blood tests and an ECG (electrocardiogram) of their heart - all of which should be done via A&E.

Long-haul travel

Patient who have been on long-haul travel in the last 2-3 days are at higher risk of developing blood clots in their legs. This can be via plane travel or even immobility in a car for >4 hours at a time. These blood clots can travel into someone’s lungs - and cause a blood clot in the lungs, called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Patients with this condition may experience breathlessness and/or chest pain. These patients should be seen promptly via A&E where further tests and assessment can occur.

For Children

Children do not often complain about pain in their chests. Also, children’s chest pain is less often a heart condition. Always consider whether chest pain is their MOST PROMINENT symptom - it may more often be associated with a cough/cold and or fever.

For Adults

Some adults are more likely to have chest pain that is caused by their hearts. Those include:

• People who have had previous heart attacks
• People with diabetes
• People with a history of smoking, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

If you are concerned about a patient calling, please do not hesitate to raise it with your line manager.