pain in left side and mid chest

i am 45 and for the past six months i have a stitch like pain in my left side just below the breast it is uncomfortable and over the last few monthe has become more regular. Not only this about six months ago i was put on tablets for high blood pressure and this has caused me to suffer with what i believe to be heartburn this being a pain at the top of my chest in the middle i know it sounds like i am being a hypercondriac (if thats the spelling) but both of these pains are uncomfortable and i am freightened to go back to the doctor in case its heart problems. i look forward to hearing back from someone about my pains and i look forward to your help and advice

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Has a chest xray been done to rule out any rib fracture, chest infection, or air in the pleural space?

There could be several causes of the symptoms you are having including a muscle pull, injury or trauma at the site, chest infection, etc.

Do you have any associated symptoms?

You should apply some local pain relief medications, take some oral pain relief medications, maintain a proper posture throughout the day, try some warm compresses.

You could take some antireflux antinausea medications and see if they help with your symptoms - this could be pain due to reflux or GERD.

Consult the doctor if the symptoms persist and discuss whether you need to get any investigations including a chest xray and ECG done.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you need any other information.

Regards.