Trying again for a response: chest/back pain question

[mas2782]

I've posted concerning this problem several times to no avail...thought I would try again.

Since going into A-Fib for 11 hours back in July 2006 I have had ectopics on and off and also had several echos done which revealed a healthy heart, but some mild MVR.

About a month or so before the A-Fib we moved into a new house and soon after I noticed a sharp pain and sometime ache in my left shoulder blade that was very localized. The pain seemed pretty muscular. Since the A-Fib I have been running 9-12 miles a week and trying to eat healthy...I have never smoked...don't drink...take Mg and CoQ10. Ectopics have been scarce since July of this year. I have no history of CAD other than a great-uncle that I know of.

At any rate, I have increasing discomfort in my left back and now what feels like related pains around the border of my left chest (pectoral muscle?). Pain sometime radiates into my left arm and I can't really tell if it is worse during exercise...doesn't seem to limit me, but then I am overly cautious because of ectopics, etc.

My EP scheduled a stress test for 11/20...I am just wondering if I should ask him for a Scan instead because I hear they are more accurate. The pain can be as present when I am laying down or sitting as when I am active. Docs to this point have said it is muscular and probably tension related as I am a law student.

Any thoughts are appreciate.d
Thanks

[mas2782]

THANKS FOR THE GOOD ADVICE! That was exactly what I was looking for.

I'll keep you posted...looks like you are in my neck of the woods...

[erijon]

I agree, get you heart checked out, don't take a chance. I would not start off with a scan however. There is still some debate on it's accuracy. Also, you will most likely find that your insurance won't cover a scan as they are very expensive and normally the stress test is the first step, if it comes back abnormal you may get the okay for a scan. I would ask for a Thallium stress test instead of a normal one, it is more accurate and will show any areas of potential blockage. It's about 85% accurate but has a very high negative predictive value which simply means if it is normal there is a very small chance of a future cardiac event, approx .06% per year for the following 10 years.

Good Luck!

Tony

[ajrenalli]

the docs are probably right.  You dont say how old you are, but you are a student, so I assume you are young.........you could have pulled something when you moved.  It is prudent to get your heart checked out, though, and then take it from there.  best wishes.