Chest pain assessment
Chest pain has many causes: the heart, lungs, muscles, the food pipe or anxiety. A careful history, examination and the right tests can usually tell them apart. The goal is a clear answer, and the right treatment if the heart is involved.
1What you might notice
- Chest discomfort with exertion or emotion
- Pain that is sharp, burning or related to breathing or movement
- Discomfort that has changed in pattern or frequency
Chest pain that is severe, at rest or lasting more than 10 minutes needs an ambulance. Call 000.
2Tests that help
- ECG
A first check of the heart’s electrical pattern.
- CT coronary angiogram
Often the best first test to look for coronary disease.
- Stress echocardiogram
Shows how the heart responds to exercise.
3Treatment options
- A clear diagnosis
Explained to you and written to your GP.
- Treatment matched to the cause
From medicines to a coronary angiogram and stenting if a significant narrowing is found.
Seeing Dr Ramzy about this
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr John Ramzy, then request an appointment at Heidelberg, Knox or by telehealth. All new referrals are offered an appointment within two weeks, usually sooner.