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Chest pain can indicate a heart attack or other serious conditions. Many cases are not life-threatening. Knowing the warning signs helps you decide when to seek emergency care.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Sharp, stabbing pain that comes and goes. Often stress-related.
You might suspect this if you have:
Burning pain behind the breastbone, especially after eating.
You might suspect this if you have:
Chest wall muscle pain, tender to touch.
You might suspect this if you have:
Inflammation of the rib cartilage.
You might suspect this if you have:
Medical emergency. Pressure, tightness, or squeezing in chest.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Chest pain always warrants careful assessment, but it is important to know that the majority of chest pain in young, otherwise healthy adults is NOT cardiac. Musculoskeletal chest pain (from strained muscles, costochondritis, or poor posture), acid reflux, and anxiety-related chest tightness are far more common causes. However, I never dismiss chest pain without a proper assessment. The features that raise cardiac concern are: pain with exertion that resolves with rest, pain radiating to the jaw or left arm, pain with breathlessness and sweating, a family history of early heart disease, and age over 40 with risk factors. If you are experiencing any of these features, call 000 immediately — do not wait for a telehealth appointment. For non-urgent, recurrent chest discomfort without alarm features, telehealth can help identify the likely cause and guide next steps.
Medical certificate guidance: Any chest pain that required emergency assessment legitimately warrants time off for recovery and follow-up. For musculoskeletal or reflux-related chest pain, a certificate is appropriate if symptoms are affecting your ability to work comfortably.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Serious chest pain is typically heavy/pressure-like, lasts >5 minutes, comes with sweating/nausea/breathlessness, or spreads to arm/jaw. When in doubt, call 000.
Yes — anxiety and panic attacks commonly cause chest pain. It's usually sharp, stabbing, comes and goes quickly. However, if you're not sure, get it checked.
Heartburn causes burning pain, gets worse lying down or after eating, and responds to antacids. Heart attack pain is more pressure-like. If unsure, seek emergency care.
See a GP for mild pain that comes and goes, pain that's clearly muscular (tender to touch), or recurring reflux symptoms. Always err on the side of caution.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get follow-up careThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.