Chest Pain
Also known as: Angina, Angina pectoris, Chest tightness, Chest pressure, Cardiac chest pain
Expert diagnosis and management at Complete Heart Centre. All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare. All cardiology referrals accepted.
About Chest Pain
Chest pain can have many causes, but when it involves the heart it is usually due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This is known as angina and is commonly caused by coronary artery disease. Chest pain that occurs with exertion, emotional stress, or at rest may indicate a serious cardiac condition that requires specialist assessment. Angina is often described as a tightness, heaviness, or squeezing sensation in the chest and may radiate to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or left arm. In Australia, chest pain is one of the most common reasons for presentation to emergency departments and referral to a cardiologist. Early investigation can identify the underlying cause and prevent serious events such as a heart attack.
Common Symptoms
- Tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest
- Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or left arm
- Chest discomfort during exercise or physical activity
- Shortness of breath accompanying chest pain
- Nausea or sweating with chest discomfort
- Pain that worsens with exertion and eases with rest (typical angina)
When to See a Cardiologist
If you experience recurrent, exertional, or unexplained chest pain, ask your GP for a referral to a cardiologist. Chest pain that occurs during exercise, at rest, or is accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, or nausea warrants prompt investigation. If you are experiencing sudden or severe chest pain, call 000 immediately.
How We Investigate
Dr Grewal may recommend an echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function, a stress echocardiogram to evaluate how the heart performs under physical stress, or a CT coronary angiogram including calcium score to visualise the coronary arteries and detect blockages. The choice of test depends on the nature of your symptoms, risk factors, and clinical assessment. All tests are fully bulk billed through Medicare.
$0
Your cost with Medicare
Related Diagnostic Services
Need Urgent Help?
If you are experiencing sudden or severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, call 000 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about chest pain.
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All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare.
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Concerned About Chest Pain?
With a Medicare card and GP referral, your specialist consultation and all diagnostic tests are fully bulk billed. Book at our Sydenham, Bundoora or Williams Landing clinic.