How do I make the doctors do a stress test? I live in a VERY small town, and I was referred to a cardiologist for a stress test, but when the cardiologist saw me, he said I was too young to have heart problems. I have found many stories of 30 year olds who have heart problems.
Are there any other tests that I could request to rule out heart disease? I had my cholesterol checked about 3 years ago and it was fine. I had an EKG and Triponin blood test around that same time, and they said it was normal.
I am having chest discomfort left side, left arm discomfort, shoulder and upper back pain, jaw discomfort and left sided headaches. The jaw discomfort is the most recent symptom. I also have loss of appetite.
I guess I am just stuck because I don't know where else I can go for care or who will even listen to me. Any advice would be appreciated.
Tonight I am experiencing heaviness in the center of my chest. And almost a cold feeling running through my chest area. I am very fatigued.
Should I see a doctor? Or just continue waiting it out?
Thank you for your answer.
The arm pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain are new over the last few months.
Hello there,
It is hard to give you an accurate assessment of the situation over the internet without meeting you but I can give you some general pointers which may help.
First of all, I agree with your cardiologist in that you are pretty young to have heart related problems. But, you do have risk factors especially smoking and borderline hypertension.
Your symptoms appear to be atypical in the sense that they have been present for last five years without escalating in severity.
Chest pain is a very non specific symptom which may arise from heart, lungs, chest wall, food pipe or even anxiety.
But if you continue to have symptoms, it might not be unreasonable to pursue a stress test to completely rule out a cardiac etiology of your pain.
But most importantly, I would recommend a modification of your risk factors to mitigate your future risk of cardiovascular disease. Of critical importance, try to quit smoking.
Hope that helps
I should add...I am taking 40 mg of Protonix 1 time per day for reflux.
And i have discomfort in my jaw, but also have been told I have mild TMJ.