Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
tightening in chest from time to time
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - Heart
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
tightening in chest from time to time
by EatCake, Nov 06, 2009 12:23PM
I am a relatively healthy 42 yr old female with asthma which is controlled - I occasionally use albuterol. I have a history of high cholesterol (over 200 LDL) but it is now 160 LDL/68HDL. My BP is 120/80, I am not overweight, I exercise a lot (6X/week) and live a healthy lifestyle. I have 2 young children. Because of my high cholesterol my doctor sent me for a test which determined I did not have any plaque build up in my arteries and therefore did not put me on cholesterol lowing meds. Over the last few months I have had a strong tightening sensation in my chest on the left side only off and on. It happens anywhere, anytime -when I'm exercising, when I'm working at the computer, when I'm resting etc...It only lasts a short time and is not accompanied by shortness of breath or lightheadedness. Could this possibly be my heart?? How worried do I need to be about my cholesterol considering that I have high HDL?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Nov 08, 2009 09:35PM
, Nov 08, 2009 09:35PM
Yes it could be your heart. I suggest that you undergo a stress test to evaluate for the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. And you should probably be initiated on an aspirin while waiting for the test to be performed.
Post Comment
