About the topic
Chest pain has many causes. A heart attack cannot be ruled out at home or through an online symptom list.
What to do now
- For concerning symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
- Do not drive yourself when a heart attack is suspected.
- Do not wait for a routine appointment or a reply on WhatsApp.
Symptoms & signs
- Persistent chest pressure, tightness or squeezing.
- Pain spreading to an arm, jaw, neck or back.
- Chest discomfort with sweating, nausea, light-headedness or breathlessness.
When to speak with a clinician: Even chest discomfort that comes and goes, or settles quickly, should be discussed with a clinician.
Food & nutrition
Food cannot treat a suspected heart attack. Do not delay emergency care to eat or drink; longer-term diet depends on the diagnosis.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- During an emergency, follow the treating team's swallowing, fluid and feeding advice.
- After assessment, a recovery plan may include vegetables, whole grains and pulses.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Give nothing by mouth if awareness or swallowing is impaired.
- During recovery, limit salt and saturated fat if advised for a heart condition.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: