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stinging pain above heart.

I'm 49, female, 35 lbs overweight, and afraid of heart trouble. Lipid profile is not good. The pain is about 8 inches below my collar bone. It kind of stings or clenches for just a moment and goes away. It continues on/off for an hour or so. This has happened a couple times a year for two years.
I don't have a good doctor right now, so I'm here looking for ideas. I'm very short waisted so my weight is all in the middle. Doctor has said lose weight, but easier said than done.
Could it be stress or muscle spasm?
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Avatar universal
I will set up an appoinment with a new doctor this week. All great replies and all possibilities. Thank you very much.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Stinging pain that comes and goes can be due to angina, gastric reflux or due to costochondritis. In costochondritis there is pain on pressing the point. Gastric reflux will respond to proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and antacids. Needless to say a 12 lead EKG should be done close to the pain.
Since I cannot examine you and know other related conditions you may be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult your PCP for primary examination.Take care!
Helpful - 0
1548538 tn?1293871833
Sounds like what I had which turned out to be panic attacks.  HOWEVER, heart attacks present very differently in females vs males, and one thing I did learn when I was going through it is how important it is to be checked out if you even suspect a heart attack!  My mom had one earlier this year and it did not present at all like a classic male, heaviness in chest attack.  Plz see your doctor asap or even go to the ER.  They must see you regardless of finances if you think you are having a heart attack (in the US).  If you are uninsured, there are usually ways the hospital will work with youfinancially.  Your life is not worth the risk.
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Avatar universal
It is more likely to be stress than a muscle spasm. Generally angina feels like a stinging or pinching pain and even a slight increase in anxiety can bring this on. Limit your acidic foods-- citrus fruits, vinegar, caffeine, spicy seasonings/sauces to relieve any acid reflux that might be making things worse.
Heart attacks are usually felt more like a heavy weight on the chest. Extreme and inexplainable fatigue is another sign of a troubled heart, as is shortness of breath, confusion and dizziness. Weight loss will definitely lessen your chances of developing heart problems, but in the meantime it is still best to be certain that there is nothing more serious going on.
Hope you find a better doctor soon.

All the best,
Brittany
Helpful - 0
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