Swollen hands and chest pain

Chest pain may come from the heart, lungs, digestive system, muscles or nerves. Angina can cause pressure or tightness with activity, while a pulmonary embolism may cause sudden chest pain and breathlessness. Pneumonia can cause pain with fever and cough. Acid reflux, gastritis or a peptic ulcer can cause burning or upper abdominal discomfort. Panic can produce intense chest symptoms, but it should not be assumed without considering physical causes. Swollen hands can reflect fluid retention, inflammation, heat, medication effects or a separate problem.

Stop exertion, sit upright and note when the pain began, what it feels like, and whether it spreads to the arm, jaw or back. Do not drive yourself if the pain is severe or accompanied by breathlessness, sweating or faintness. Avoid taking someone else’s medication. Even if symptoms improve, arrange prompt clinical advice when chest pain is new, recurrent or unexplained.

Call emergency services now for crushing or persistent chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, blue lips, confusion, coughing blood, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Urgent assessment is also needed for sudden chest pain with one-sided leg swelling, a fast heartbeat or marked weakness. Do not wait for hand swelling to settle before seeking help.

Ask what your pain pattern suggests, whether you need an ECG or other tests, whether any medicines could cause hand swelling, and which symptoms should trigger emergency action.