Chest Pain, Palpitations and Panic: When to Worry and When to Get Checked

Summary

Chest pain, palpitations and sudden waves of panic can be frightening, especially when you are unsure whether the problem is coming from your heart, your lungs, your digestion or your stress levels. This guide explains the difference between symptoms that can safely be monitored at home, those that need non-emergency medical attention, and those that require urgent 999 care. It also outlines how a consultant physician can assess these symptoms in person at Eric Healthcare in Salford or online from anywhere in the UK.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for you if:

1.    You have chest tightness, pressure, sharp pains or discomfort that worry you but do not feel like a 999 emergency.

2.    You experience palpitations — flutters, thumps, racing heart or skipped beats — whether once in a while or several times a day.

3.    You sometimes have sudden episodes of panic that make your heart pound or your chest feel tight.

4.    You have seen someone before but still feel unsure about what is happening or what to do next.

If you think your situation may be a heart attack or a life-threatening emergency, stop reading and call 999 now.

Red flag checklist: when to seek urgent help

Seek urgent medical help now (999 or A&E) if you have:

1.    Sudden, severe or crushing chest pain, especially if it spreads to your arm, jaw, neck or back.

2.    Severe shortness of breath, gasping for air or inability to speak in full sentences.

3.    New weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking or sudden confusion.

4.    Collapsing, blackouts, seizures or extreme drowsiness.

5.    A very fast or irregular heartbeat causing dizziness, fainting or feeling close to passing out.

6.    Chest pain with sweating, nausea or an overwhelming sense that something is seriously wrong.

7.    Any symptom that appears suddenly, feels profoundly abnormal and is getting worse quickly.

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, getting worse quickly, or you think they might be life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.

Common reasons for chest pain, palpitations and panic

Chest pain and palpitations can arise from several systems in the body. Below are broad categories rather than an exhaustive list.

1. Mild or self-limiting causes

• Muscle strain or chest wall inflammation.

• Anxiety, stress and panic attacks causing tightness and fast heart rate.

• Acid reflux or indigestion mimicking heart discomfort.

• Palpitations triggered by caffeine, alcohol, viral illnesses, dehydration or lack of sleep.

2. Conditions usually managed in primary care

• High blood pressure, especially if not well controlled.

• Anaemia or low iron levels.

• Thyroid problems that speed up the heart.

• Ectopic beats — harmless “extra” beats.

• Asthma or lung irritation causing chest tightness.

3. Conditions requiring consultant-level assessment

• Atrial fibrillation or more persistent irregular heart rhythms.

• Angina — exertional chest discomfort.

• Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart).

• Unexplained breathlessness, swelling or reduced exercise tolerance.

You do not need to diagnose yourself — only to recognise patterns and seek appropriate care.

What you can safely do at home for now

If you have no red flags and can go about your day, these steps may help:

1.    Pace your activity for a few days.

2.    Stay hydrated; avoid caffeine, alcohol and energy drinks.

3.    Keep a symptom diary (times, triggers, relief).

4.    Check basic measurements if available: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation.

5.    Speak to a pharmacist for mild indigestion or tension-related symptoms.

If symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with your daily life, arrange a structured review.

When and how to seek non-emergency medical help

1.    Start with your GP for long-term conditions or persistent symptoms.

2.    Walk-in centres can help with non-dangerous chest discomfort, mild infections or sudden symptoms that don’t meet emergency criteria.

3.    A consultant physician can help when symptoms are complex, confusing or persistent, or when you want a more thorough review of your heart rhythm, breathing or overall health.

4.    Online consultations are useful for history and test review; in-person assessments are better when a physical examination is needed.

How Dr Paraiso’s clinic can help

Dr Hassan Paraiso is a consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine. He sees adults with new, persistent or unclear symptoms and helps them move from worry to a clear, practical plan.

You can access his care in three ways:

1.    In-person clinic in Salford

• Location : Eric Healthcare, Bowsall House, 3 King Street, Salford, M3 7DG

• Telephone: 0121 838 1869

A typical consultation includes:

• detailed symptom discussion,

• heart and lung examination,

• review of previous tests and letters,

• decisions about new investigations,

• a clear written summary for you and your GP.

2.    Online consultations — UK-wide

Ideal for palpitations, panic-related episodes, second opinions and structured planning.

3.    Direct access to tests — UK-wide

• Private blood tests (anaemia, thyroid, inflammation, electrolytes, cardiac markers).

• Holter heart rhythm monitoring (24–72 hours).

You can choose tests alone or add a consultation to interpret them properly.

If this sounds like your situation and it is not an emergency, you can find out more at DrParaiso.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions

1.    Are chest pains always caused by the heart?

No — anxiety, reflux and muscle strain are common causes, but heart causes must be considered.

2.    Can palpitations be assessed online?

Often yes. History and previous tests offer strong clues.

3.    Is it panic or a heart issue?

Sometimes both interact. A structured assessment helps separate them.

4.    Will you write to my GP?

Yes — a clear summary is always provided.

5.    Do I always need tests?

Not always. Tests are used when they genuinely help decision-making or safety.

Key takeaways

1.    Severe or sudden chest pain → call 999.

2.    Many causes of palpitations and chest discomfort are benign but deserve assessment.

3.    Tracking symptoms can help identify patterns.

4.    Consultant review brings clarity quickly.

5.    The clinic offers in-person consultations in Birmingham and UK-wide online appointments, blood tests and Holter monitoring.

Final safety reminder

This clinic is not an emergency service. If symptoms are severe, worsening quickly or potentially life-threatening, call 999 or attend A&E immediately.