Recent-onset chest pain of suspected cardiac origin: assessment and diagnosis

Chest pain

There are many possible causes for pain or discomfort in the chest, including indigestion or muscle pain. But sometimes chest pain can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a condition in which blood vessels in the heart narrow or get blocked by a build‑up of fat. The blood supply to the heart is reduced and this can cause stable angina, unstable angina or a heart attack.

Quick diagnosis and treatment for people who have chest pain because of coronary heart disease will help to prevent death and reduce disability from this disease.