Chest pain what to do?

[synjyn51]

Chest pains occurred with tightening on the right sort of like a vice was squeezing, but I survived.  I don't know what this is about.  I also have shortness of breath lately when I eat.  Does anyone know what this means?  I know what a blood clot feels like and that was not it.
Thanks

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
The first possibility that needs to be evaluated is a cardiac problem.Shortness of breath is giving this possibility an edge.I would request you to get an EKG and echocardiography done to see the status of your heart.Also get an ultrasound gall bladder and chest x-ray done to rule out any gall bladder and lung pathology.Pls consult a physician soon as without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough.Treatment is specific for diagnosis.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[caregiver222]

An EKG is rather pointless. The hospitals give them, but if you are not experiencing ischemia it will probabloy be normal. It may show if you have damaged tissue is the ST segment is lowered, but you really require a stress test. There are two kinds, treadmill and chemically induced, generally with radioactive tracer and imaging.

You should go to an ER immediately if this happens again. Do NOT drive yourself. Call an ambulance. Stop what you are doing and IMMEDIATELY lie down. Usually these spasms are self-limiting. At the hospital they will take an EKG and take a test for what are called cardiac enzymes.

They won't waste time with your gall bladder.

It is extremely important that you do not continue walking or attempt to drive yourself to the ER.

In general, cardiac related pain tends to be dull and not positionally relieved.

There is a distinct possibility you are suffering an anginal episode, usually caused by a combination of an artery narrowed by atheroscherotic deposits and a spasm.

You should request your physician to prescibe some nitroglycerine tablets. They have few contraindications (except your blood pressure is lowered quickly and you might fall and injure yourself).

I am very concerned about you.

I want you to promise to go to an emergency room IMMEDIATELY if this happens again.

[caregiver222]

I have to qualify the statement about the EKG being "pointless".  They EKG registers electrical events, and if you an abnormal rate or rhythym, or irregularities such as what are called PVC's (premature venticular contractions), these are flags which will signify further investigaton. There are other electrical irregularities of interest to the cardiologist.

A large number of patients, however, present with relatively normal EKG's except when there has already been damage or they are actually experiencing cardiac ischemia (lack of oxygen).

That is why the "stress EKG" test was developed.

You should purchase a blood pressure machine and check your pressure regularly, as well as a finger pulse-oximeter.

I would make seeing a physician a priority. Read the last sentence twice. You do not necessarily have a cardiac problem, but the juxtaposition of shortness of breath and chest pain is a big yellow flag.

They will give you an x-ray of the chest for legal purposes, but generally this is useless.

[synjyn51]

I finally saw a dr. about the wheezing and chest pain. Since it happens lately and continually within the past months my dr. said it could be my COPD, but also it could be my heart and I would need a Cardiogram.  I have NO insurance so unless I am dying that is out of the question right now.  What else can one do that has limited funds, but needs medical care?  If it is my heart causing problems then I probably need care of some kind.
Thank you

[synjyn51]

Thank you for your comments and concern. I am scheduled to see the dr. this comming week.  I have also developed swollen feet and hands in the morning upon waking. Is that significant to my other symptoms?  Probably related to the heart, right? My dr. said my lungs sounded good so it wasn't my lungs. I guess I'll have to have some tests done for my peace of mind's sake if nothing else.  What tests would do the most good for me?  Thanks