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DownloadWe may also have to repeat the heart blood test to ensure it is not climbing even if it is initially normal. We may also perform a chest x-ray and/or ECG.
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection, often with fever, aches and coughing up discoloured sputum. Sometimes you may need to come into hospital with this but if you are not too unwell you may be able to go home with antibiotics.
Pulmonary embolism (lung clot). This is a blocked blood vessel in your lungs. This can be a serious condition and can sometimes be life-threatening if the clot is large. Often the clots are small and we may treat you with a medication to thin your blood and bring you back on another day for a CT scan to confirm the suspected diagnosis.
Risk factors include
Chest pain is a common cause for people to visit the Emergency Department (ED). You have been seen today in the department and discharged home. Our assessment today has not found a serious cause of this pain. This leaflet provides further advice on possible causes of chest pain and when to seek further help.
Any new, severe, or persisting chest pain should be discussed with your GP. This is particularly important if you are an adult and have a history of heart or lung disease.
It's important to get medical advice to make sure it's nothing serious.
For general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service, walk-in-centres, or your GP.
See your GP or attend your local walk-in centre, if:
See a doctor urgently, if you:
Call 999 if you have sudden chest pain that:
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this article is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: August 2021
Review Date: January 2023