Re: What could this be?

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on September 23, 1998 at 16:32:30:

In Reply to: What could this be? posted by Ben T. on September 21, 1998 at 20:04:18:






I am only 18yo. I my blood pressure is about 150/80.  I have noticed
that my heart seems to skip beats sometimes.  Also, sometimes out of nowhere
I get chest pain. Sometimes on the left side, and sometimes on the right.
It usually makes my arms hurt as well.  I exercise regularly, and am in
very good physical condition. Do you have any ideas?  Is this serious?



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Dear Ben T.,
Because you are young and because all people get skipped beats(some of us are more
aware of them then others) it is unlikely this is serious.  However, a systolic
blood pressure of 150 is a little high and simply could represent the fact that
you were nervous or just finished exercising when it was taken.  Regardless, given
you have some type of chest pain, it would not hurt and it is probably a good
idea for you to make an appointment with a general medical doctor (family physician
or internist) to have a complete history and physical which would include another
professional blood pressure measurement.  Good Luck.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational
purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s).