Esophagus, Chest Pain, and PVCs

[Dasobel]

For 15 months, I have had chest pain, and some peripheral nerve pain in arms, hands, back.  The pain is sharp and stabbing in my chest, and seems to pulse with my heart.  It can be induced with certain exercises, but occurs from 1 to 10 minutes after the exercise, not during.  At rest, the pain is less intense and feels like pricks at certain points, migrating from spot to spot for a while before disappearing.
There is also a positional aspect;  it is worse when I'm standing or sitting upright, relieved if I bend far over or lay straight on my back.  
Finally, there is a breathing aspect;  the pain is worse on exhale, better on inspiration, and I can sometimes stop it if I hold my breath in.

I have had 2 stress tests and an echocardiogram (one month ago).  No signs of ischemia, normal heart function.  Based on all that, cardiologist said no CAD, probably Musculo-skeletal.

The second stress test did pick up a single PVC.  Over the last two weeks, I have noticed more of these, and finally today had a 60-90 second episode of "PVC runs" that scared the hell out of me;  first multiple episode.

I am also noticing a lingering sore point that started hurting right after the PVC runs just to the right of my sternum.  I've had a few more PVCs this afternoon, but no more "runs."

Could this be esophageal?  A lesion, hernia, or whatever, causing both the chest pains (which are less lately) and the PVCs (which just started)?

Finally--  I've taken small dosages (25 MG) viagra a few times to enhance sex.  Should I stop given the onset of PVCs?

thanks!!

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Dasobel,

Your description of chest pain is not at all typical for angina and the negative stress test should help reassure you of this.  I guess what it sounds like the most is palpitations -- or simply an awareness of heart beats. I have had a few patients with this and it seems to fade with time, although I must admit I am not sure what it is from.  In part I think the increased awareness of beats and PVCs increases when people become aware of them, they now think about it more and this may play a roll.  Despite my lack of clear explanation, it usually dissappears just as fast as it started.

I have not seen these symptoms described with viagra before.  just check with your doctor to make sure he is comfortable with you continuing.

Good luck.

[mrbh]

I'm looking forward to the answer as well. Good questions.

[Konopka1955]

Just because two people experience the same symptoms - does not mean they have the same condition or will have the same diagnosis.  I'm not sure its wise to compare your symptoms and self diagnose yourself..

Marilyn (runner)

[salis110]

dear Dr. and Dasobel
somehow I have  same symptoms, sometimes i feel dizzy but when i check my pulse it is normal as always for example it is 60 or little more or less.but sometimes it beats faster till 90-100 without any activity, at this period of beats i feel something happens in my chest, it is not pain or ? and after a short time (1 or 2 secs)i feel a heavy pulse and after that every thing goes ok but some anxiety.If casually through this event I check my pulse I feel an interrupt or skipping pulse.It makes me crazy.Also sometimes i feel pain in my chest bones dr.s siad they are due to ur anxiety.
I did echo which was ok and 24 hrs holter i had a period of 43 bpm during sleep at night and a 2.14 secs rest in hearts beat plus 2 rests less than 2 secs.
whats going on me? what are skips in my heart with odd feeling?
if you got any new commets please let me know
thnx