Chest pain

In order to figure out what is causing the chest pain we try to classify it into a number of categories. It is very common in healthcare to talk about the fact that illnesses don't read books! Although illnesses have 'typical' features, they can and often do present themselves as something totally different. Hence the clinician must be aware of these possibilities and rely on risk and probability and not just the problem as it presents itself.

Location

The location of the chest pain can helpful to get an understanding of what the cause is. Both location and where the pain radiates or moves to are important.

What the pain feels like

Whether the pain is crushing, stabbing, aching is useful. For instance, pain from a heart attack is sometimes described as crushing pain on the chest. Descriptions like 'felt like an elephant sitting on my chest' are sometimes heard.

How is started

Whether the pain came on suddenly or gradually can also help.

What makes it worse/ better

Identifying these things can also provide clues as to what the cause is.

How bad

How bad or severe the pain can be helpful. Worst pain of my life or an irritating 'twinge'.