Re: chest pains and GI symptoms

Posted By Karen Merchant on August 07, 1999 at 13:05:57
I recently went to the hospital a few days ago with severe chest pains. I was having a hard time catching my breath. I felt like I was going to pass out and was having pains into my left arm. Im only 31yrs old. I dont smoke or drink or do drugs. Im not over weight or any of the other things that contribute to a heart attack.
  The doctor gave me a GI cocktail and said that should make me feel better. Well, an hour later I was still having severe chest pains. They did 3 EKGs on me and my blood pressure and heart rate kept fluctuating for unknown reasons. They decided that I must have indigestion, gave me valium, tylonel, and zantac. Sent me home and said I should feel better. I am stil having chest pains,and I am still short of breath. Should I just believe this doctor and wait it out or should I get a second opinion about it? I have 2 small children to think about, I would hate to die because some doctor thought I was too young to have a bad heart.
                         Thank you

                       Karen Merchant

[CF-CARDIO-MD-JMF]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD JMF on August 08, 1999 at 14:27:22
Dear Karen,
It is difficult for me to determine what is causing your symptoms, but i would recommend a second opionion to determine the cause of your chest and arm pain.  while GI causes may cause this it is important to rule out cardiac and lung problems as well.  It would certainly be easy enough to rule out cardiac causes or pulmonary causes for the shortness of breath with a stress test and pulmonary function tests if that is appropriate.  
It may be best to discuss these possible options and your concerns with your current or a new phycsician.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. 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.


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