Chest pressure that goes into jaw/arm

Question

Hello, I'm a 35 year old female with chest pressure that goes into my jaw and left arm for the past 6 weeks.  I had an episode of chest pressure that lasted for about 36 hours.  Went to the ER where they did the typical EKG, bloodwork, chest x ray and CT scan with contrast of my chest.  Everything came back good and I was released to follow up with my PCP.  My cardiac enzymes were perfect but my D Dimer was 5.2 which they said was very slightly elevated so that's why they the CT scan.  I have had an echocardiogram and a stress echocardiogram done in the past 2 weeks.  Both were perfect.  I weigh 139 lbs, 5'3 and I'm a light smoker.  No family history, no HBP, cholesterol good and no diabetes.  ER doc told me to start looking elsewhere for answers to my chest pressure.  Can I be confident that this is not heart related?  He said the risks of a cardiac cath are too great and I don't need one.

Smiley2000 · Answer

Hi there,

I agree with Flycaster that you can rule out heart disease as the cause for your chest pain.

I would suggest that, if the pain persists, you should consult your PCP again and maybe ask for a referral to a Gastro Enterologist as you might have a Hiatal Hernia.  You do not necessarily have to have acid reflux but keep a food diary and see if you have any symptoms from specific food.  A Hernia would also mimic heart pains and the jaw and left arm could just be non specific.

All the best and keep us updated, okay.

Flycaster305 · Answer

I'm not a health professional but have had a lot of heart issues the last fifteen years, and from what you have posted, it reads like you have had excellent tests and care. Words like 'perfect' enzymes and 'very slightly elevated' can be interpreted as normal. Weight and family hx, no high blood pressure or diabetes leaves just one risk factor, but just one. Smoking will eventually cause you either heart disease or cancer if you continue, but you are an adult and it is your choice. A cardiac cath is really a very low risk procedure, but it sounds like your docs are confident your heart is still ok.