IS it just a twinge in my chest?

David Ginola, the 49-year old retired footballer, had emergency quadruple bypass surgery last week. Four vessels that supply blood to his heart muscle needed replacing by veins from his leg. While having having a 'kick about' for charity he collapsed and needed resuscitation with chest compressions. Ginola is lucky to be alive.

The flamboyant French winger formerly of Spurs, Newcastle and Villa (just over 14 seasons ago) instinctively played down the affair with the following tweets:

"...Footy match in the midday sun, not very clever. Now having some tests done..."

"...never slept better. I'm fine, just need to rest a bit..."

It is not uncommon to develop angina when getting more active in good weather. Angina usually causes chest discomfort when you exert yourself.

It can feel embarrassing to slow up. But my message is - SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU DEVELOP TWINGES IN THE CHEST - do NOT 'just get on with it'!

Stop what you are doing and if the chest discomfort does not completely go within 10 minutes you should call 999. If you are having short-lived aches or pressure that perhaps comes on while gardening or walking but resolves after a few minutes or seconds you must at least book a GP appointment at your surgery. A full assessment could establish the problem and help us find a solution together.

Any exertional discomfort is worth a check-up. Some people get pressure in the arm or neck instead or as well as their chest. Type in "chest pain" or "angina" at stationdrivesurgery.co.uk for more information.

If you are over 40 and otherwise well, booking for an NHS health-check at your GP is a good way of detecting any signs of high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Controlling these silent issues can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.