When There's Chest Pain
No adsLast updated: June 2026
Call 112 / 108 immediately for chest pain that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw. Don't wait it out, and don't drive to hospital yourself if an ambulance is available.
Warning signs of a possible heart attack
- Chest pressure, tightness, heaviness or squeezing — not always sharp pain.
- Pain spreading to the left arm, both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, light-headedness.
- In older adults and women, symptoms can be subtle — unusual fatigue or breathlessness alone can matter.
While waiting for the ambulance
- Have them stop all activity and sit or rest in a comfortable position, leaning back.
- Loosen tight clothing; keep them calm and reassured.
- Follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions about any medication — don't give anything on your own guess.
- Gather their medicines list, known heart conditions, and ID for the hospital.
Worth Knowing
People lose precious time talking themselves out of it — "it's probably gas/acidity." With heart attacks, acting early saves heart muscle and lives. It is always better to call and be reassured than to wait and be wrong.
General information only, not medical advice. In any emergency, call 112 / 108 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.