I Woke Up This Morning With Pressure In My Left

Posted on Thu, 1 Nov 2018

Question: I woke up this morning with pressure in my left chest area. And armpit pressure.
I put it down to indigestion as I was gassy throughout the day.
I've had the armpit feeling come and go throughout the day.
I took a tums and a magnesium vitamin in the morning and I think it helped with the chest pressure issue.
Do you think it's serious because isn't pain in the armpit related to heart attacks?

I think I have anxiety/stress issues which causes my body to be this way.. It really only started since the beginning of this year after having pneumonia chest infection, where I keep thinking I'm having a more serious problem (heart attack.. heart diseases) but my last lot of blood tests (around May) and ecg (early January) has really just told me that I'm ok.

Is there something natural or some vitamins I can take that will help me with this anxiety?

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please refer to the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern...

After going through the medical details I would like to tell you that the kind of symptoms which you have explained could be possible angina (heart issue). The important thing here to understand is that no other issues like gastritis or anxiety can cause threat to life but a heart problem can, do it becomes important to rule out.

I would like to suggest you consult a cardiologist personally and get the basic cardiac tests done for evaluation. Tests include

1. ECG
2. Echocardiography
3. TMT

I hope this information will guide you properly.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

Thanks Doctor XXXXXXX

Is it safe for me to travel in the next few days? I have a trip booked for a week. flying 6 hours each way.

Do you think I need to see the doctor before I travel?

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again

Detailed Answer:
Although there is no urgency as such but it’s always advisable to be on the safer side and travel free mind.

If you can yes it’s better to consult at least your primary physician before you take off.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (2 hours later)

I went to the local hospital nearby and got checked because I had a panic attack.. my crazy kids made me quite anxious this eveing.

My bp was 100/70, which they said was normal.

They did an ecg or ekg? Where they stuck those things to my chest and they said that was normal too.

Then they did a blood test for troponin and that came back as zero.
I asked them about angina and they said no, more like anxiety and to speak to someone about it.

Should I go back and request for the echocardiography and the TMT? I am currently in Costa Rica so it's easier for me to go to the hospital than to go to a GP and request for a referral to a cardiologist.

I run on a treadmill once or twice a week for 15 mins and I don't get any pain.. does that help?

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again

Detailed Answer:
From all the test reports and as you do treadmill regularly so I think that’s fine and most likely is because of the stress.

You can go and enjoy your vacation.

All the best
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (37 minutes later)

woohoo!:) I'll try to lol!

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX have a great day.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again

Detailed Answer:
It’s a pleasure.

Kindly close the discussion and leave your feedback.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj