Frank is a 60 year old man who works as a bus driver. He has had a previous myocardial infarction 8 years ago. Frank is a smoker and drinks alcohol regularly. He lives with his wife Betty. He enjoys socialising and is a member of his local darts team. Recently he has felt more tired and slightly more breathless.
Pulse point
In a situation where someone is known to have a previous cardiac history, they should always be advised to phone 999 if they have sudden onset of chest pain at rest.
What to do if you have angina/chest pain
Step 1: Pain / breathlessness
- stop what you are doing and sit down. Take 1 dose GTN (spray/tablet)
- wait 5 minutes
Step 2: If pain / breathlessness remains:
- take another dose GTN
- wait 5 minutes
Step 3: If pain / breathlessness remains:
- take another dose GTN
- wait 5 minutes
Step 4: If pain / breathlessness remains:
- call 999
This chest pain advice may vary slightly within different areas so it is worth checking this as a local guidance. However, this advice is from the CHSS Website.
Page last reviewed: 27 Jul 2020
