Emergency · 6 min read
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Editorial note: This article was prepared for this website from the sources listed below. Unless a named clinical reviewer is shown, it has not been attributed to or clinically reviewed by an individual KPMC clinician.
Do not diagnose chest pain at home
Chest pain can arise from the heart, lungs, digestive system, muscles or other causes. Pressure, tightness or pain with sweating, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, or discomfort spreading to an arm, jaw, back or upper abdomen can be a heart emergency. Symptoms may be less typical in some people.
Abdominal warning signs
Severe sudden pain, a rigid or very tender abdomen, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black or bloody stool, jaundice, collapse, or pain during possible pregnancy requires urgent assessment. Pain that begins centrally and moves to the lower right, or upper abdominal pain with fever, may also need prompt care.
Do not drive yourself when severely unwell. Avoid food, drink or unadvised medicine if emergency surgery may be needed, and follow emergency-dispatch instructions.
Useful details should not delay help
If safe, note when pain began, location, movement, associated symptoms, pregnancy possibility, medical history and medicines. Bring a medicine and allergy list, but do not postpone an emergency call to gather records.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Concerning chest pain warrants immediate emergency assessment.
- Severe abdominal pain with bleeding, collapse, fever or pregnancy possibility should not wait.
- Do not self-drive when symptoms could deteriorate.
When to seek care
- Call emergency services immediately for concerning chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, or sudden severe chest or abdominal pain.
- Seek urgent assessment for abdominal pain with repeated vomiting, blood, black stool, jaundice, a rigid abdomen or possible pregnancy.
General information only. This article does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent medical care. In Malaysia, call 999 for an emergency or go to the nearest emergency department.
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