chest pains

[anfieldroad]

i have chest pains in centre with shortness of breath and pain in right arm.  i have failed the stress treadmill exercise and having a stress echo cardiogram with an injection of dobutamine.  It has been sugested that there is borderline LV hypertrophy and above average cholestoral and BP.  Is this more likely to be caused by something other than the heart?  

[kenkeith]

Failing the stress test indicates there may some blockage of coronary vessels usually due to high cholesterol over a period of time.  This condition can cause chest pain.  

Left ventricle hypertrophy is an enlargement of the heart chamber.  This condition can effect the heart's pumping ability and lower cardiac output.  Lower cardiac output can cause shortness of breath and may have some bearing on the chest pain as well.

Chest pain and shortness of breath can also be due to pulmonary embolism (clots) or other respiratory problems.

[anfieldroad]

thanks for your reply.  could this also be something as simple as anxiety or stress.  not that i am feeling these symptons, jusy trying to explore all of the options.  I think my ECGs have been ok as well (not that they share the detail much).  

[kenkeith]

A stressful environment can over time put a strain on the cardiovascular system that develop symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, etc. for some individuals.

[anfieldroad]

thanks.  i have had my stress echo with an injection of dobutamine and the doctor stopped the test after around 35 minutes due to me experiencing unbearable pain, 9 out of 10, and i was extremely short of breath.  after the test it took me around 20 minutes to get my breath back. is this normal and if not what does it suggest.  they have not shared the results yet but told me to ring tomorrow.

[kenkeith]

You have an interesting medical concern.  We would welcome any followup after you receive information from your doctor.

[anfieldroad]

Will do.  there pain was in the centre of my chest.  can you give me any indications?  is this normal pain?

[kenkeith]

Chest pain is very difficult to evaluate because there are some many causes.  The pain you feel in the middle of the chest could be "referred" pain meaning pain in one location may be a signal from distress at another location.

For instance pain in the right side of the chest or in the upper right quadrant (area) of the body can be due to more than gallbladder problems. The differential diagnosis should be done by examination and questioning by your doctor.
If the pain is severe, tests may be done to rule out stomach, pancreas, liver or gallbladder.