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Chest pain - cardiac?

I would like to know if it is possible that my chest pain is cardiac in origin or if it is costochondritis as my doc's seem to think. I am 23, female, no family history of heart probs, non smoker ocassional drinker. It is on the left side of my chest, radiating out, down my left arm and up my neck into my jaw. Sometimes its the middle of my chest, sometimes its my breast area and to the left of my breast. Occasionally my left arm will feel numb as will the left side of my face (only happens very occasionally). Usually it will start with no real cause, but i have felt it start sometimes when i get scared of something or nervous. I have noticed if i do something to take my mind off it then the pain goes or gets a lot easier. E.g i've had it at work but then gone into a meeting or gotten busy and i forget about it and it goes or gets less. The tests i have had performed are several ECG's (last in august) echocardiogram (nov 2006) chest x rays, brain MRI, blood tests (all the usual ones also D Dimer, Troponin, ANA Antibodies, Inflammation etc) Every test has been normal. I saw the cardiologist in 2006, he didn't find any problem. I had this pain in 2006 for a few months. It cleared up, and came back again 6 months ago and i haven't had a lot of relief since. Sometimes the pain is bad, sometimes i am just aware i have an ache in my chest arm and jaw. I have been to the emergency dept twice this year with this pain had ECGs bloods and chest x ray all fine so i was sent home. In 2006 i must have been to hospital with the pain about 10 times. My GP is investigating me for fibromyalgia as i suffer with other various aches and pains, fatigue amonst other symptoms. I get anxious easily especially with my health. Can costochondritis cause these symptoms? Would any heart problem have been found in my tests? In your opinion do you think i can relax about my heart worries? Any info would be appreciated. Thank you for your input and time to answer me.
3 Responses
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242509 tn?1196922598
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Well it is possible but not very likely that this is obstructive atherosclerosis. It is more likely that you have congenital problems as opposed to any acquired issues. This could be settled by a CT of the chest, although not at the cost of a large dose of radiation.
It is more likely given the nature of the symptoms that these are either panic attacks, pleurisy or costochondritis. If these sympotms are very bothersome to you, then one way to finally settle this would be to perform a left heart cath and definitively rule out any coronary artery disease.
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Avatar universal
Thanks Jon! I worked out what time it was reset in UK time so just sat waiting! I know this doctor will give me some good advice - i'm looking forward to it.
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159619 tn?1707018272
You made it on, congrats! I'm sure you'll get some excellent advice, good luck.

Jon
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