stress test - Heart Disorders Message Board

tnmomofive · 12-10-2005, 11:42 AM

ok so I have had pain in my left arm,hand off and on since early october......i have felt a few chest pains which happens to be the same pain i feel in my arm (mild sharp,stabbing,stinging,aching).I decided to go to the hospital last night due to feeling this pain in my left shoulder these pains are random they dont cover large areas at once just like several second zaps of them in small areas.Doesnt matter weather im sitting,laying,or moving around they come on whenever.Anyway,so the doctor actualy took it seriously,im not used to doctors taking me too serious since I have anxiety disorder,he had an echo done and a chest xray,blood tests......all came back A ok.......he tells me that he personaly doesnt really think it is my heart because my only risk factor is smoking....there is no known heart probs in my immediate family.BUT he says he cannot tell me for sure it is not my heart so he wants me to have my doctor set up a stress test....i told him i have had palpitaions (mostly skips and flutters irregular beating) in the past and i also have fainted several times in the last 12 yrs (which was allsaid to be anxiety/stress by other docs) he didnt seem to put any mind to that stuff like it didnt relate.so i dont know ....he just stressed to me he really think i should get a stress test done.......so i guess thats what im gonna do all this on no health insurance.anyway,i wanted to know if this sounds familuar to anyone ? what your opinion is (i know your not doctors) he also said it could be muscle related but i need the test done. my last question is what is involved in a stress test? thank you sooooo much if you have read this and thank you for any responces

Lenin · 12-10-2005, 11:54 AM

Since you said "arm and hand", it sounds most to me like a nerve pinch.

The pain of angina (heart pain) is a deeper, burning, squeezing kind of thing that is sustained, not a quick stab.

OWWW, without insurance what is that ER vist with echo, ECG, blood test and X-ray going to cost you?

Anyhoo, yes the stress test would seem the logical next step. BUT the cost, without insurance, would have ME skip it....the symptoms don't cry out for it. Ask ahead of time what it will cost if you decide to go ahead with it. If you DO get it done, ask for a NUCLEAR ISOTOPE STRESS TEST.

A freebie stress test would be to see if you can run 1.5 miles (or even 1.0 miles) in 12 minutes. Run jog or walk for the 12 minutes and see how far you get...if you feel chest pain STOP!

trekgirl · 12-11-2005, 10:03 AM

It is a best thing to do, get a stress test done. Many things may show up, or none. It is better to be safe than sorry. So go get the test done to be sure that there is nothing else wrong. Good luck.