Re: Chest pains

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on October 22, 1998 at 16:25:03:

In Reply to: Chest pains posted by Jon Fletcher on October 22, 1998 at 03:01:37:






Six months ago I experienced chest pains for about a fortnight. I waited for them to go away and did not visit a doctor.  Two days ago, I woke up with the same problem.
The pain seems to be located somewhere in the top centre of my chest, somewhere around my throat.  It is often not noticeable when I am still (sitting or standing) but gets worse when I change positions (particularly bending over or lying down), or when I move.  If I exert myself, as in running down the stairs, it is agonising.  This is the same as it was the previous time.  Then, I did make an appointment with a doctor, but too late - the pains had disappeared.  She listened to my chest and found nothing.  
I am a student and therefore drink quite a lot, and probably have certain deficiencies in my diet, most noticably, fibre.  I am 20 years old (male), and not noticably over weight (a little beer gut but nothing to show through a shirt).
Any ideas?



   _
Dear Jon, thank you for your question.  I doubt that your chest pain is being caused by angina (which results from blockages in the coronary arteries).  Given your young age, angina would be extremely unlikely.  Most likely, you have musculoskeletal chest pain related to inflammation of the chest wall cartilage or muscles or an inflammation around the lining of the heart called pericarditis.  However, if your symptoms continue for more than one or two days, then you should see your physician again for another check up.  Also, if you are concerned about how much alcohol your are drinking, you may want to speak to your physician about that subject as well.  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.