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Chest Pain

Hi, I'm a 51 male 6'2" 220 lbs.Used to run long distances in my 30s and 40s now I do the eliptical a few days per week.  I'v e been having pain below my left pec along my ribs and on my sternum. My upper back also hurts ocassionaly. Also I find myself not as energetic on the eliptical as I used to be.  I went to the ER last week. My heart rate was 52, BP 108/ 80 Oxygen 96 and Cardiac Enzymes were negative. Also my EKG was normal.  ER doc said that my symptoms were not typical for cardiac problems.  I'm concerned that my heart may be failing but nobody is catching it. Is this realistic? I had a nuclear stress done in June 2010 that was normal.

T
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Thank you. Doing a GI follow up with an endoscope to rule out esophegeal issues.  Todd
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63984 tn?1385437939
I'd pay attention to changes in your workout abilities but certainly continue to work out.  If you find yourself breathless and/or have chest heaviness or pressure, I'd stop immediately and contact your doctor.  Generally, sharp, stabbing pains aren't cardiac issues.    
An Angiogram is the gold test to determine if someone has a blockage.  The fact that you had a nuclear stress test that was normal is very encouraging, perhaps you are experiencing some joint/muscle discomfort.

My son is your age and was your height and weight, a runner and gym rat  and had similar pain issues.  He lost about 30 pounds and the pains disappeared.  It might help you to drop some weight and see if the pains disappear.

That said, never ignore chest discomfort, especially a feeling of pressure, or squeezing, and breathlessness was ALWAYS a symptom to me of oncoming heart issues.

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