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Why am I getting upper central chest pains at 3500 m altitude?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 37-year-old female with a history of asthma and SVT. I am currently at 3500 m altitude, and I am getting upper central chest pain on inhalation, which is much worse going uphill. I do not have any other altitude symptoms or shortness of breath. What could cause this? I am currently taking Levlen and Diamox.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Chest pain could be due to muscular fatigue at high altitudes. Count your pulse properly to rule out SVT (supraventricular tachycardia). I do not think it is SVT, as you appear stable. Check your oxygen saturation also.

Revert back to help further.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for replying.

My pulse is regular, and my oxygen saturation is 95. My respirations increase while going uphill, and they take a while to settle down. I am supposed to trek up to 5550 m over the next few days. Is it fine for me to continue? Is there anything I can take to help with the pain and increased respirations when going uphill?

Please help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I think it is muscular. So, I suggest you try a non-sedative muscle relaxant like Tolperisone thrice a day for five days. Avoid sedative muscle relaxants while trekking. If possible, get a chest x-ray to rule out any chest pathology. Hope you are evaluated for SVT and are appropriately on rate control medication. Because high-level Levlen (oral contraceptive pills) may increase the heart rate. Avoid beta-blockers.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed byDr. Lekshmipriya. B

Published At June 6, 2017
Reviewed AtDecember 11, 2025

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