Chest pain.. followed by left arm.

[Jenn1616]

I have chest pain in the left side of my chest... then recently i feel it goes down my left arm?? any ideas??

[erijon]

Angina or other pain related to the heart does not typically present as sharp nor does it come and go, it is usually a constant. If it is angina, it will typically present with exertion and will go away after a few minutes of rest. It is usually described as a crushing, squeezing or pressure like pain that is diffuse over the chest, not in one location. Women tend to feel the pain in the back between the shoulder blades and in the jaw as well.  It is possible but much less common for angina to come on with rest. It can usually be predicted by the same level of exertion each time. Also, pains that come and go for days, weeks or months is rarely cardiac in nature.

Having said that, it would be wise to get it checked out as any chest pain is dangerous and should be evaluated. You should see you doctor as soon as possible or go to the ER next time you have this pain.

Hope this helps,

Jon

[Jenn1616]

Hi,

Thank you for getting back too me.. I have PKD (kidnet disease) as well... so i reached out too my kidney doctor, at which he ordered me a MRI to check to see if i were having a brain anersyerm. i did not get results back yet.... the heart pain comes and goes... and at times it can be sharp?

[kenkeith]

You have the classic symptoms of some blockage of blood flow to the heart cells.  If your symptoms are heart related the chest pain would be termed angina.  Timely treatment can be very effective so you should contact a doctor for evaluation.  Even if the pains go away you should still followup with a doctor visit.  Heart cell damage can accur without any further symptoms so don't get the false hope that everything is OK.  

Thanks for sharing, and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care,

Ken