Millisecond Recurring Stabbing Chest/Arm Pain

[ArmandF]

I am 56 years old with a family history of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.  I have had high blood pressure, semi controlled, for 10 years.  I have smoked occasionally for a total of 5 years (maybe 1 pack per month, if you combine it all together.  I am not smoking now.

I have been having extremely short duration stabbing pain (as if with a needle) on the left side of my chest and on the left forearm.  The duration lasts maybe a millisecond.  The extent of coverage of the pain is only pinpoint area on my chest and forearm.  They appear and  disappear right at the same time.  There is no accompanying tachycardia, shortness of breath, or palpitation.  Neither is it associated with heavy physical exertion.

Have you had patients with this kind of chest and arm pain?  What do you recommend for me to do?

[patrickk85]

What did you find out?  I have the exact same symptoms.  Thanks.

[donnaski]

I have the exact symptoms too. I never found out what it was or the cause. (Donna)

[joanincarolina]

Ditto on the Cardizem form Ireneo.It works.

[ireneo]

I'll add that since I've been on Diltiazem (a CCB) my episodes of chest pain have been greatly reduced. But of course, my pain isn't really cardiac related. LOL!

[joanincarolina]

Sounds like vasospastic angina presentation to me. Try getting a visit to the heart doctor first as that would be more critical step.Spasms occur in the heart and present with your description.They are hard to catch on any test.The doctor would have to listen to your signs.There are meds to help but nothing that really helps the pain from the sudden, sometimes unpredictable onset. If this is not satisfacotry then a visit per Ireneo suggestion would eliminate the neuro part.Hope this helps. Joan with vasospastic angina.

[ireneo]

A trip to the neurologist might help but the symptoms being so transient, it might be difficult to pin (sorry for the pun) it down. Unless they can find another cause (cervical arthritis or shoulder problem for example) I'm afraid you may be stuck (oops) with this until it worsens a bit.

I get chest pain, deep squeezing in the center of my chest when I exert myself (walk quickly through the store or parking lot for example). But I was told it probably wasn't heart related. LOL Gotta love our doctors.

[ArmandF]

Hi Joan

Thanks for your interest.  The pain is stationary, it does not radiate from the chest to the foream.  It is in the same general area everytime it happens:  on the left side of the sternum, below the nipple area, and the palmar aspect of the forearm.  The pain starts there and ends there and lasts, like I said, extremely short, like, it is gone in the winking of an eye.  It is not really painful, it can be described as if a rather strong gust of wind blew a pine needle, just one pine needle, well, in this case, two, on to your chest and foream at the same time.  It is enough to rouse me from a light sleep.  It just happens quite frequently which is why it is bothersome.  I get it maybe once a week for the past two months.  It is not related to any body position, blood pressure changes, heart rate irregularity, mental stress, anxiety, nor gastrointestinal disorder as I don't think I have any.  I am not on any medication for any nervous condition, just lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide.  Should I consult with a neurologist instead?

[ArmandF]

Thanks for the comment.  I know it doesn't sound like the typical chest and arm pain of cardiac origin.  The only thing that makes me think that is its simultaneous occurence and the areas where it occurs.  I know the nervous innervation of these areas are similar in origin, but given my family and personal history, I just do not want to ignore it. And the reason I joined medhelp.org is to see whether similar needle-point pain sensations occur in patients with the same history as I do. Your comment is very encouraging, thanks again.

[joanincarolina]

Can you tell me more about the extent of coverage comment? You state pinpoint on chest area and forearm. Does the pain travel a short distance? Is it chest or heart area? If area of heart is left of sternum where does the pain start first? And describe what the pain is as it happens? Joan.

[ireneo]

Sounds more like some kind of irritated nerve problem. Cardiac pain is often described as more diffused over the chest area and "crushing" or "an elephant on my chest." Nerve pain can be tingling, pins and needles, sharp, shooting.

If it happens frequently or seems to be getting worse, you should mention it to your doctor.