23 yearold in South Korea, cant breath, chest discomfort

[gprybylo]

About a week ago I felt a slight discomfort in my chest. I bought some aspirin, ive been taking about 4 a day all week. Then, a few days ago i started to have this persistent shortness of breath. I didn't think much of it because this seems to always happen when it gets cold. This time though, its accompanied by the discomfort on the left side of my chest. I dont want to over react, but cardiovascular disease runs in my family. My father and his 2 brothers had heart attacks by 55 (my father at 49). My uncle has had a quadruple by pass and my other uncle, double a bipass. Is it possible to have a heart condition at 23? I think I will go to a doctor monday if it persists, but the language barrier will be huge, and Im not certain what my Korean health care covers.

[gprybylo]

Yea thanks for the advice. Sometimes it takes a level headed third party to make one see clearly. I went to a doctor on Monday with a coworker, which is today here. The doctor listened to my heart and my breathing, but seemed to kind of dimiss the complaints of chest discomfort and a slight burning sensation. The shortness of breath has improved some, but the chest discomfort is more noticable They took an EKG and a chest xray, then prescribed me painkillers and an anitbacterial pill. I asked why, but I didn't get a straight answer. Im still pretty uncomfortable with the whole thing. I want it to just go away or get diagnosed, but not knowing is very troubling. I get the results  and the xray tomorrow but I can't help but feel like whatever the problem is, won't be evident from either.

[cindy707]

I think that you are making a very wise decision especially w. your family hx. since it puts you definately in a higher risk group for incident.  This is something that needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible and if you are having symtoms before Monday do not wait .... i wold go to the nearest E,R, because you cannot put a price on your life.  Now of days most medical facilities no matter where you are have translators no matter if it is spanish, korean, viet, etc.  I would not wait if it were my body....you want to take care of this before you pass the point that you may not be able to......