uk Health & medical scares

What to do if…
you develop new chest pressure or discomfort, especially with arm, shoulder, or jaw pain

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: 20 July 2026 Last reviewed: 15 August 2026 Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Call 999 now if the chest pressure or discomfort does not go away, spreads to an arm, shoulder, neck, back, or jaw, or comes with sweating, sickness, light-headedness, or shortness of breath. If it comes and goes or quickly settles without those emergency features, arrange prompt medical assessment rather than assuming the cause.

Do not do these things

Do not drive yourself to A&E.
Do not delay calling 999 because persistent or spreading discomfort feels mild or resembles indigestion.
Do not wait for a GP appointment or contact NHS 111 instead of 999 when the discomfort does not go away, spreads to an arm, shoulder, neck, back, or jaw, or comes with sweating, sickness, light-headedness, or shortness of breath.
Do not walk around, exercise, or exert yourself to test whether the discomfort changes.
Do not take someone else’s medicine.
Do not stay alone if another person can safely remain with you.

What to do now

Call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance if the chest pressure or discomfort does not go away, spreads to an arm, shoulder, neck, back, or jaw, or comes with sweating, sickness, light-headedness, or shortness of breath. Describe all of the symptoms to the call handler.
If the discomfort has completely gone or comes and goes and none of those emergency features occurred, contact your GP for assessment rather than assuming it was harmless. If it returns with emergency features, call 999.
If you are calling 999, stop what you are doing and sit or rest in a comfortable position while following the call handler’s instructions.
Put your phone on speaker if that helps, and unlock the door if it is safe and easy to do so.
Ask someone nearby to stay with you. Tell the 999 call handler if you are alone.
Keep your medicines or a current medication list nearby if they are easy to reach without exertion.
Tell the call handler immediately if you become short of breath, sweaty, sick, light-headed, faint, confused, or if the discomfort changes or worsens.
Follow the call handler’s instructions about aspirin or any other treatment. Do not take aspirin if you have been told not to take it or are allergic to it.

What can wait

You do not need to decide whether this is a heart attack, anxiety, indigestion, or a muscle problem before seeking medical help. Work, packing belongings, contacting relatives, and other non-urgent tasks can wait while you contact the appropriate service.

Important reassurance

Calling 999 is appropriate when chest discomfort persists, spreads, or occurs with the emergency features above. You are not expected to diagnose the cause yourself, and chest discomfort that comes and goes or quickly settles should still be medically assessed.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps for new chest pressure or discomfort with arm, shoulder, or jaw pain. Assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and later decisions require qualified healthcare professionals.

Important note

This is general health information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Call 999 for persistent or spreading chest discomfort or the emergency features described above; otherwise seek medical assessment for new chest discomfort rather than relying on this guide.

Additional Resources

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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