NHS warns against ignoring chest pain signs

The NHS has urged people to call 999 if they ever experience key chest-pain warning signs, as some may be tempted to brush them off. The advice comes alongside a renewed focus on costochondritis – an inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs join the breastbone – which can cause sharp chest pain and lead to confusion.

According to the NHS, costochondritis pain can be mistaken for a heart attack, while some people who have had the condition before may wrongly assume a new pain is merely a recurrence when it could be something far more dangerous.

“It is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time,” the NHS explains.

The guidance, which was last reviewed on August 14, 2026, says costochondritis can cause a sharp pain at the front or side of the chest. This pain may feel worse when breathing deeply, lying down, pressing the middle of the chest or ribs, or moving the upper body.

When to call 999

Unexplained chest pain that does not ease should always be checked by a healthcare professional, the NHS says. If costochondritis is suspected, people can seek advice through NHS 111.

The NHS advises calling 999 if:

  • You have chest pain that started suddenly, or spreads to your arm, neck or jaw, or your chest feels tight – this could be a heart attack.
  • You experience chest pain with difficulty breathing, your heart beating fast, or you are coughing up blood – this could be a pulmonary embolism.
  • You have sudden chest or back pain that can feel like something being torn inside, and causes shortness of breath, and problems with walking, vision and speaking.

The health service stresses that you should not drive yourself to A&E; the 999 call handler will advise you on what to do next.

The warnings have been reported by multiple regional outlets, including the Bristol Post, Cambridge Evening News, Daily Post, Essexlive, Teessidelive, Surrey Advertiser, Kentlive, and Somerset Live. While most presented the emergency symptoms in the same order – heart attack, pulmonary embolism, then the tearing sensation – some outlets, including Kentlive and Somerset Live, listed the tearing pain first. The underlying guidance remains consistent.

Understanding costochondritis

Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain, particularly in children and young adults. It occurs when the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed. The pain is often sharp and may increase with movement or deep breathing.

The NHS notes that the exact cause is not always known, but it has been linked to repetitive upper-body movements, an infection, a chest injury, or heavy coughing.

The condition usually resolves on its own, with symptoms lasting from a few weeks to a few months. In the meantime, ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.

If the pain is severe or not improving, the NHS advises contacting your GP. A doctor may suggest a steroid injection to reduce inflammation, or a local anaesthetic to numb the area.

The health service also encourages people not to worry about being a burden when seeking help, as chest pain should always be taken seriously and properly assessed.

Different perspectives

NHS England: The health service emphasises the importance of not dismissing chest pain, urging people to call 999 if they experience sudden, spreading, or tight chest pain, or pain accompanied by breathing difficulties, a fast heartbeat, or coughing up blood. It also advises against driving oneself to A&E and recommends NHS 111 for suspected costochondritis.

Patient guidance: The NHS advises that costochondritis usually resolves without treatment, but if symptoms persist or worsen, patients should contact a GP. Treatment options include ibuprofen, steroid injections, or local anaesthetic, and people are reassured not to worry about being a burden to their GP.