Acute Chest Pain

Abstract

Chest pain is a very common symptom and may be due to ischaemia related to coronary artery disease (i.e. angina pectoris), takotsubo syndrome, perimyocarditis, aortic dissection, oesophageal spasms, pulmonary embolism with pleuritis, musculo-skeletal pain, or psychosomatic disturbances. Management involves clinical assessment, ECG, and diagnostic tests, such as biomarkers, imaging, and eventually coronary angiography. Acute chest pain can be life-threatening and should be evaluated urgently and in a comprehensive manner.