Chest pain in 7 year old

[Janet31865]

My 7 year old son has been complaining of chest pain in the upper left quadrant of his chest.  Says it feels like someone is punching him from the inside.  Can happen daily then not happen for weeks.  BP ranges from 92/54 pulse of 77 up to a BP of 125/74 and a pulse of 96.  These episodes last for 2-5 minutes and always occur at rest...sitting or lying down. Various times of the day/night.  He has been diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect and possible SVT.  He did have pain on the right side of his torso when his pulse hit 186 while at rest last week.  We have had an EKG and Echo done 2 years ago, but nothing since these episodes started and the pediatrician is puzzled.  Should be rush to get another EKG and Echo?  We haven't done it yet as we cannot tell when the episodes will happen and they may go away for a month or more.  Any help or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks!
J

[conching]

A related discussion, chest pain in children was started.

[Marie M Gleason, M.D.]

Dear Janet31865:  Chest pain is a very common issue in children.  You can look at some of our responses to other parents on MedHelp who have written in with very similar questions.  In general, chest pain is non-cardiac in origin, even in children with other congenital cardiac issues, such as atrial septal defects.  If it comes on at rest, is brief, and is not associated with other symptoms such as passing out or complaints of palpitations, it is most likely musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal or respiratory in origin.  If your pediatrician has examined your child and felt that there is no change in the physical exam, and if his vital signs are acceptable (as you report here), then it is most likely benign.  However, it sounds like your child has been seen by a cardiologist already, and it would be recommended to review your current issues with that specialist by telephone.  They can make a determination as to whether or not your child needs another cardiac specific check up in the near future.  They may want to consider an event monitor to look for SVT during these complaints.