Chest aches

I am a 59 yr old male who underwent triple bypass surgery 8 months ago.  At about 4 months after surgery, I changed statin and antacid medicines to Lipitor (80) and Nexium.  Two weeks later, I started experiencing mild aching in the upper chest/esophogus area--a mild form of my heart attack/angina symptoms.  I switched back to Aciphex at that time, but remained on Lipitor.  At the six month after surgery point, I underwent a stress radionuclide test and another heart catheterization (required by my job).  Both tests showed no problems.  However, the aching remains and is intensifying somewhat.  I exercise frequently (and heavily), but it seems to have no effect on the aching.  The only links I can come up with is the aching is worse when I'm physically tired, and usually improves when I eat or drink.  I stopped my Lipitor last night to see if there is an improvement over a week or two.  My diet has been stable throughout this time period (and is extremely healthy).  Any clues.

[Lee Kirksey, MD]

First, hopefully you are discussing your medication changes with your doctor and not performing these independently. Secondly, there are many causes of chest discomfort after CABG thru a median sternotomy including local wound problems at the healing ridge of sternal bone. It is unusual for Lipitor to cause isolated chest discomfort. Discuss your symptoms with your cardiologist or CT surgeon who should examine your sternum thoroughly. It is also possible to have chronic inflammation along the sternal incision.

[DeeDesai]

i think Lipitor does have a side effects, i.e. mild pain in the chest area

you might wat to check that.  

[DeeDesai]

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Lipitor and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.

Less serious side effects may include:
      mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn;
      nausea, stomach pain or upset;
      constipation, bloating, gas;
      stuffy nose;
      itching, skin rash; or
      muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.