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What is Causing Your Chest Pain?

Last updated: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | 2 min reading time

Dr Ooi Yau Wei

Cardiologist

What is Causing your Chest Pain

What could be causing your chest pain?

According to Dr Ooi Yau Wei, cardiologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, not all chest pain is heart-related. It can also stem from issues with the stomach, lungs, bones or muscles.

Chest pain due to digestive issues often comes with:

Vomiting
Bloating
Discomfort
A burning sensation in the chest

These may signal conditions like acid reflux or gastritis.

If chest pain is accompanied by:

Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Persistent coughing

And worsens with deep breaths or coughing, a lung condition such as pneumonia or pleurisy could be the cause.

Musculoskeletal (bone or muscle) pain

Pain that:

Is localised to a specific spot
Worsens with movement, touch, deep breaths, or coughing

May indicate a muscle strain or rib injury.

Heart-related chest pain is typically:

A squeezing, strangling or pressure-like sensation
Difficult to localise
Radiating to the neck, jaw, or left arm

It tends to worsen with:

Physical exertion (e.g. climbing stairs)
Heavy meals
Cold weather

It may also be accompanied by:

Giddiness or dizziness
Shoulder aches
Nausea
Fatigue

Signs of a possible heart attack

You experience chest pain that:

Is severe and persistent (lasting more than 15 minutes)
Occurs even at rest
Comes with shortness of breath, dizziness or heavy sweating

What to do if you’re experiencing chest pain

If you experience chest pain, don’t delay getting medical attention. Head to the nearest Urgent Care Centre (UCC), where doctors can quickly rule out serious conditions like a heart attack using on-site scans and tests. If needed, you'll be referred to a specialist for further care.

Acting fast is crucial — early treatment can make a life-saving difference and help prevent long-term heart damage.

Need urgent medical care in Singapore?

Our Urgent Care Centre (UCC) is here for you — around the clock, around the corner. Get timely treatment and support 24/7, all day, every day of the year. Learn more about our waiting times, fees, ambulance options, and other services here.