QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY

Chest pain

May be caused by coronary thrombosis, in which case it nearly always occurs in the middle of the chest.

Such pain necessitates medical attention. If sudden, severe, and without previous episodes, ring 999 for transfer to hospital by ambulance (DO NOT DRIVE THERE YOURSELF) and chew an aspirin.

This type of pain may also occur as a result of disease in other parts of the chest such as the gullet and spine. Medical advice is required to sort this out.

Pain in the side of the chest is usually not caused by heart disease.

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