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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
chest
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chest
by mikeyb, Sep 18, 2005 12:00AM
I have a history of chest pain which has been diagnosed as chondritis (sort of arthritis of the sternum).
The pains are sharp and stabbing.
I am not convinced by the diagnosis as my pains come from inside the chest cage and feel heart related to me.
Problem for me is I pass the ECG and stress test no problem and don't get out of breath when exercising etc.
I have recently developed sharp stabbing pains in my left arm and right leg which is adding to my concern.
Does anyone have ideas as to any heart defects that don't show up on the normal scans?
The pains are sharp and stabbing.
I am not convinced by the diagnosis as my pains come from inside the chest cage and feel heart related to me.
Problem for me is I pass the ECG and stress test no problem and don't get out of breath when exercising etc.
I have recently developed sharp stabbing pains in my left arm and right leg which is adding to my concern.
Does anyone have ideas as to any heart defects that don't show up on the normal scans?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Sep 18, 2005 12:00AM
Hello,
Thanks for the post.
When looking at a case like this, it is important to look at risk factors:
1. hypertension
2. diabetes
3. cholesterol
4. family history of father with MI <55 or mother <65, or siblings of the same birth parents with the same ages in mind
5. tobacco
6. age
I cannot assess these as you dind't mention them above.
then you have to consider the character of the pain. Your pain does not sound cardiac in nature. Cardiac chest pain is usually exertional rather than rest, it is a pressure sensation rather than sharp, and is almost never stabbing in nature.
This is supported by your normal EKG and stress test. To ask the question, could it be cardiac in nature -- we can never say it is not. But if you want to know if it is likely cardiac, the answer is no. I would look for other ways to explain your pains.
Short of having a cardiac embolism to the leg or an extensive aortic dissection, you will not have leg pain from cardiac ischemic pain.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Thanks for the post.
When looking at a case like this, it is important to look at risk factors:
1. hypertension
2. diabetes
3. cholesterol
4. family history of father with MI <55 or mother <65, or siblings of the same birth parents with the same ages in mind
5. tobacco
6. age
I cannot assess these as you dind't mention them above.
then you have to consider the character of the pain. Your pain does not sound cardiac in nature. Cardiac chest pain is usually exertional rather than rest, it is a pressure sensation rather than sharp, and is almost never stabbing in nature.
This is supported by your normal EKG and stress test. To ask the question, could it be cardiac in nature -- we can never say it is not. But if you want to know if it is likely cardiac, the answer is no. I would look for other ways to explain your pains.
Short of having a cardiac embolism to the leg or an extensive aortic dissection, you will not have leg pain from cardiac ischemic pain.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
I also get the sharp shooting pains. Are yours real quick pains that almost make you jump and yell ouch. About 3 months ago I went to the ER with this type of pain, it was from one shoulder to the other across the collar bone, was dxed as costo. I had got them before but this time I had them for 18 hours straight, I would get 5 or 6 in a row they would stop for a minuet or two and start again.
It is a very frightning desease to have.
Line
I have costochondritis chronically for over 11 years, I have exactly the same symptoms that line describe and went to the ER on several occasions, my costo is secondary to a connective tissue disease that I have, very frustrating to live with and frightening at times.
I take just a simple aspirin 325mg daily and diazepam(valium) 2.5mg twice daily, even though diazepam is an anti anxiety agent , it has mucsle relaxing properties, I used to take 5mg twice daily but have since reduced it 2.5mg twice daily sometimes just 2.5mg daily. This is the only combination that my doctor and myself have found in relieving most of the pain , though I rarely have a day without some form of chest pain.
This might not work for everyone with the same problem, you have to work with your doctor to find out what you respond to the best. Good luck.
I have been told that the sharp shooting pains are muscular pain, so maybe the original poster may have fm also with the pains in the legs.
Linda