Chest pains, and dark blue vanes?

My girlfriend is experiencing tightness in her chest, her veins are dark blue and she generally feels week. The tightness in her chest feels like a pulled muscle. What are these symptoms of?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without examination.  Depending on the age, chest pain can be the signs of a heart attack, pulmonary embolus, ulcer, GERD, gallbladder disease, or a muscle strain.  

A visit to a physician is recommended.  Depending on the presentation, tests can include an EKG, cardiac enzymes, or chest x-ray.

If an embolus is suspected, a chest CT or a ventilation/perfusion scan can be considered.  

A musculoskeletal cause can be considered should the more serious causes be ruled out.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com