What are the causes of chest pain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been experiencing sharp, ripping chest pain, and dizziness, and I went to the ER three weeks ago. The doctor did not mention anything about my EKG but recommended I see a cardiologist due to my heart murmur, so I had to get a referral from my doctor. When I saw her, she heard my murmur and said it did not sound good, so she sent me to the ER that same morning. The EKG showed large peaks at the bottom, but they said it was normal, as well as the chest X-ray and CT scan. However, I am still experiencing sharp chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath that lasts for 20 minutes or longer. These symptoms come and go, especially during housework or even while lying down.

I have been dealing with hypertension (high blood pressure) for the past 17 years and am on three medications, one of which is a patch. I feel like I am being dismissed because I am a 37-year-old female. Please help me. I feel like going back to the ER would be a waste of time, and I need a referral from my doctor to see a cardiologist. What is wrong with me? Esomeprazole does not help, but baby Aspirin does.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are here to help you.

Given your chest pain, heart murmur, and history of hypertension, cardiac chest pain is the most likely diagnosis. However, acid reflux and muscular pain should also be considered. It is important to differentiate between these conditions, as their treatment courses are entirely different. Muscular chest pain is dull and diffuse, and any movement aggravates it. It is usually continuous, not intermittent like cardiac chest pain. Cardiac chest pain is severe and crushing in nature. It increases with activity, such as walking or exercising, and often radiates to the left arm, shoulder, and nape of the neck. After an ECG (electrocardiogram) for cardiac evaluation, you will need an echocardiogram and a treadmill test (TMT). If any abnormalities are found, angiography should be performed. Please share my opinion with your doctor. Stay healthy.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.