If you have the following symptoms and lasts for more than 15 minutes it could be a heart attack. Dial 999 for ambulance if you suspect you are having a heart attack

• Persistent tightness, pain or discomfort in the centre of chest.
• May spread to arms, neck or jaw (not always)
• This may be accompanied (not always) nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
• Don’t ignore the symptoms and wait for surgery opening hours.

If you sufffer from angina and angina pain lasts longer than 15 minutes in spite of rest and using the GTN spray telephone 999 for ambulance. It is the duration not severity of pain that is important in calling the ambulance.

If you get chest pain or discomfort which comes on when you exert your self and continues to get worse unless you slow down or stop and goes away fully with in few minutes on stopping; it could be angina. Telephone surgery and make an appointment to see your doctor for further tests. If you feel unsure to contact the surgery telephone ‘111’ for advice.

For more information see British Heart Foundation website