Chest and abdominal pain with no diagnosis?

[user928]

I'm a 32 y.o. female who eats a relatively balanced diet and exercises 3-4 times a week. Overall, I'm in good, not great, shape.

I recently had chest and upper abdominal pains that came on slowly, while I was at rest. It felt like someone was squeezing and putting pressure on my heart and abdomen. This lasted about 40 minutes and then went away slowly.

The next day, at almost the same time, the same pains began in the same regions. I went to the hospital and underwent an EKG, chest x-ray, blood and urine work. Nothing appeared wrong, and the pains left after about 40 minutes. A gastroenterologist who suspected gallbladder stones then referred me to have an ultrasound of my upper abdominal region. Again, nothing appeared wrong.

I'm at a loss here.. Are there other tests I should request, other diagnoses I should explore? Thanks for any thoughts you can offer!

[user928]

Brief mention of heartburn / acid reflux, none of GERD. I'm thinking of trying out a naturopath. Was told they use a blood test that can identify food sensitivities and other allergens that may irritate the system. Have never been but am willing to give it a shot. Am also pretty turned off by the appointment with the gastroenterologist..

[cnoevl21]

Ug, they always say "add fiber." While yes, adding fiber to your diet is a good thing, they shouldnt waste your money and time by making you go in to see them just to say that.
Did they mention anything about GERD or heartburn. If bad enough I can cause upper abdominal and chest pain.

[user928]

My GE doc increased my fiber and said to contact him if it happens again. I feel a little dismissed, but maybe his advice is standard stuff..?

[user928]

I had an ultrasound done, and no gallstones..

[cnoevl21]

could also have something to do with gallbladder, maybe a small gallstone. You would need to get an ultrasound done to check for that.

[user928]

They didn't share anything in common, but I'll keep the possibility of a food reaction in mind! Thank you!

[cnoevl21]

did the dinner and breakfast share any food or drink in common? Sounds like a food reaction to me. Keep a journal of everything you eat and when the pain comes. maybe youll be able to tell what food or drink is causing the pain.

[user928]

Hi cnoevl21 - They occurred late afternoon when I was doing little to no physical activity (sitting in a chair, making a sandwich) and with no visible stress.

They didn't improve based on laying down or sitting up, stayed the same.

One came after a sizable dinner the night before and a modest breakfast, the other came after eating a smaller healthful dinner and no breakfast.

Nothing seemed to alleviate them - they only got better after those 40 minutes, and afterwards, it was like they'd never happened.

[cnoevl21]

So this pain only comes on at night while youre sleeping? Does it get better worse when laying down? Sitting up?
When the pain starts, how long ago had you eaten? What did you eat?