Chest pain

Chest pain isn't a side effect of these medicines, but it's an emergency for anyone. Here's what to do.

When to get care

• Now

  If you have chest pain or tightness that may spread to your arm, neck or jaw, call emergency services now. Don't drive yourself.

  The same with strong shortness of breath, cold sweat, or pale or grayish skin. It isn't a side effect of these medicines, but it's an emergency for anyone.

• Now

  If a racing heart comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, call emergency services now.

• Soon

  If your heart races at rest for several minutes, talk to your doctor in the next few days.

  These medicines can raise the resting heart rate. In one label, a rise of 20 beats per minute or more was seen in 26% of people, against 16% on placebo.

What's known

Heart attack signs can include chest pain or tightness that spreads to the arm, neck or jaw, strong shortness of breath, cold sweat and pale or grayish skin. Don't drive yourself: call.

These medicines can raise your resting heart rate by a few beats per minute. A racing heart at rest that lasts is worth a conversation; with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, it's an emergency.

If you take nitrates for chest pain, never combine them with erection medicines.

To take to your appointment

• My heart seems faster at rest since I started. Is that expected for me?