Chest Pressure

[Huckk]

For several years now I have been in and out of different doctor's offices because my nails will turn a dark purple, not when I'm cold, but when there is a lot going on around me. I get a shortness of breath and sometimes experience pressure on my chest when this happens. Last year I had an episode in the morning when I was rushing around. I was putting on my pants in the living room when i got real light headed and blacked out. I came to just a few seconds later but felt so weak i could not finish putting my pants on for another five minutes or so. I could see my heart beating out of my chest. I proceeded and went to class because I had a test that day, but after class went to the emergency room. My heart rate was still fast when I got there but this was several hours later so the symptoms were already dieing down and they could diagnose me. Could all this be linked and any suggestions to what it could be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I can't give specific suggestions without examining you.  That said, there are a variety of causes that should be considered.

Cardiac causes can be evaluated with an echocardiogram and/or stress test.  This can evaluate the structure of the heart as well as any possible blockages in the coronary arteries.  

A Holter monitor can evaluate for possible arrythmias that can lead to blacking out.  

Lung causes can be excluded with the appropriate chest imaging, including a possible CT scan to evaluate for a clot.

I would start with a cardiologist referral, or discuss these options with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[Huckk]

Correction: they could not diagnose me.

Thanks!