Acute chest pain: a diagnostic approach.

The appropriate management of medical emergencies is one of the most exciting challenges to the general practitioner. Acute chest pain represents a special challenge because many causes are life threatening. Unfortunately there has been a modern tendency to surrender the responsibility of the urgent call to other health professionals. However, responsible medical care demands that the practitioner updates his or her knowledge and training in this important area. Knowing the causes of chest pain and applying a logical analysis to the pain patterns should lead to a successful diagnostic process. If in doubt - think cardiac - and refer the patient speedily to your nearest coronary care centre.