Shooting Pain in Middle Chest? Why? - Heart Disorders Message Board

FallingSnow · 11-30-2006, 03:35 AM

I used to get this weird shooting pain right in the middle of my chest that would come and go from week to week. Well tonight it came back and I don't know what to think! It's like a very sharp struck of pain that will last 4-5 seconds and then go away and reappear just out of no where throughout the day, sometimes it scares the life out of me because it shows up by surprise, and hurts a lot. Anyone ever heard of this or experience it? Is it heart related? If you know anything about this please let me know. Thanks.

julie gibson · 11-30-2006, 05:06 AM

Anything that gives you cause for concern you should seek medical help especially if it has to do with the chest area and pains, it could be something as simple as a muscle, but only a doctor can reasure you of that.

Lenin · 11-30-2006, 08:09 AM

All I can add is that a sharp stabbing pain that comes and goes out of nowhere is not usually realted to the heart...but please mention it to your doctor next visit. He will do an EKG and maybe a bit more.

started04 · 11-30-2006, 12:17 PM

Hi FallingSnow,

I have come across many with the symptom you describe. There can be an electrolytical, calcium, potassium, deficiency that will cause an obstruction temporarily and randomly of an impulse or impulses thereby inducing a spasm (sharp pain).

A complete blood test will disclose any deficiencies or abnormal high levels enzymes, proteins, etc. An EKG is an unnecessary expense providing there are no other symptoms or signs as it would not reveal an aberant and random impulse that causes pain.

Lenin · 12-01-2006, 05:18 AM

kk,

BUT, if one goes into a doctor's office and MENTIONS chest pain, he WILL get an EKG as surely as Christmas will fall in 24 days!

What an EKG will rule out is a past heart attack, some cases of angina.
It will also rule out the doctor's being sued if the patient has a heart attack the next day, an immensely compelling motivation!

Yes, patient WILL most assuredly get an EKG. Whether it's of much use in a GP's office is open to question. I tend to agree with you, it's usually not.