Rapid Diagnostic Triage

Chest Pain in Children and Teenagers

Reassuring, specialist evaluation by consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Nitha Naqvi at 77 Wimpole Street, London. Rapid-access ECG, echocardiogram, and exercise testing.

When should a child see a cardiologist for chest pain?

Chest pain in children and teenagers is common and overwhelmingly non-cardiac, frequently arising from musculoskeletal strain (costochondritis), asthma, or anxiety. However, a paediatric cardiologist evaluation is essential if chest pain occurs during exercise, causes fainting (syncope), triggers rapid heart palpitations (SVT), or if there is a family history of heart disease.

Child with chest pain evaluation
Teenager with chest pain evaluation

Understanding Paediatric Chest Pain

Chest pain in younger children and adolescents can be very distressing for parents. Unlike adults where chest pain is frequently due to coronary artery disease, true cardiac chest pain in children is rare.

A comprehensive private consultation with Dr Naqvi provides fast peace of mind by conclusively ruling out underlying cardiac causes through same-day diagnostic testing.

Important Red Flags Requiring Urgent Review

Seek immediate emergency medical care or prompt specialist assessment if your child's chest pain is accompanied by:

  • Chest pain triggered during strenuous exercise or sport
  • Fainting (syncope), blackouts, or sudden collapse
  • Sudden fast, fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Severe shortness of breath, ripping pain, or extreme pale skin
  • Family history of early unexplained cardiac death, cardiomyopathy, or Marfan syndrome

Diagnostic Assessment at 77 Wimpole Street

During the consultation, Dr Naqvi performs a detailed cardiovascular examination and coordinates:

  • 12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG): Painless electrical recording of the heart rhythm.
  • Paediatric Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging to assess heart anatomy, valves, and coronary artery origins.
  • Treadmill Exercise Testing: For children whose symptoms are provoked by sports and exertion.

Rapid Same-Day Reassurance

Full consultation, ECG, and echocardiogram performed during a single visit at our Central London clinic.

Practice Address

77 Wimpole Street Outpatients & Diagnostics
London W1G 9RU

0208 1370242

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chest Pain in Children

Common questions answered by Dr Nitha Naqvi

The majority of childhood chest pain cases stem from musculoskeletal chest wall strain, inflammation of cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone (costochondritis), growing pains, asthma/respiratory coughs, or emotional stress and exam anxiety.

Heart-related chest pain typically occurs during physical exertion, may radiate to the jaw or back, and is often accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or sudden breathlessness. A paediatric cardiologist uses an ECG and echocardiogram to definitively rule out cardiac involvement.

If cardiac tests are normal, Dr Naqvi provides thorough reassurance and guidance on managing musculoskeletal pain or refers to appropriate paediatric respiratory specialists if asthma is suspected. Most non-cardiac chest pain resolves spontaneously.

Dr Naqvi offers rapid-access private clinic slots at 77 Wimpole Street in Central London with same-day ECG and echocardiogram scans so families receive answers and peace of mind without prolonged waiting times.
Disclaimer: The medical opinions and facts shown in this article are provided as general educational resources. This is not a substitute for individual clinician assessment. Always seek advice from a paediatric cardiologist familiar with your child's specific medical history.