Scared about pains in chest. Please help - Heart Disorders Message Board

tom morrow · 10-12-2008, 05:03 PM

Over about the last four years I have had these pains in my chest from time to time. The odd thing is that, the pains a lot of times feel different. Sometimes they are dull pains I can pinpoint with two fingers, other times they are sharp pains. I never have shortness of breath or any other symptoms. Does not get worse with exertion.

I have had 2 ekgs, that were "normal"

does it sound cardiac?

Beefsteak · 10-12-2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom morrow

Sometimes they are dull pains I can pinpoint with two fingers, other times they are sharp pains. I never have shortness of breath or any other symptoms. Does not get worse with exertion.
I have had 2 ekgs, that were "normal"

Tom,
At this point you are the best judge. If you are worried you need to see a DR. You show doubts about your condition and, for some reason, have had 2x ECGs.
Rather than guess what the pains might be you should ask yourself "Am I in high-risk group?"
Work this out yourself by asking these questions:
What is my age and gender?
Family history of heart disease?
Overweight?
Smoker or have smoked?
Blood pressure kept under control?
Diet - good diet with fresh fruit and vegetables
Exercise routinely?
A Drinker?
Do I know my Cholesterol levels?
How do I feel after running up a flight of stairs?

These are standard questions your GP would want answers to before deciding on the next step. That might be to put you on the bench for a physical, or to order some more tests.
Beefsteak

tom morrow · 10-12-2008, 06:15 PM

i am 30 years old, overweight, I dont smoke, and drink maybe 1 drink a week. these twinges come while i am at rest and do not get worse with exertion.

i appreciate your response, but am hoping someone will give me an idea of what this may be.

Beefsteak · 10-12-2008, 07:47 PM

Tom,
Pain associated with the heart often spreads into the upper chest, neck and arms.
Often there is a dull sensitivity there not unlike arthritis.
Your GP would be interested in your blood pressure, and would want to know what medication you are on.
After a full physical he might order a blood test incl. cholesterol.

Exertion as in a "stress test" is not mild exertion - it's to test your limiting level.
What they do is get your heart rate up to your age-based level and see that it can deliver at that level. For someone 30yo that means a HR about 160bpm.
I would not try that especially if you have some doubts, and don't exercise regularly.

30 is a very young age to have any heart problem, so from that viewpoint it's very unlikely, but since its so vital it needs to be checked out.
Cheers