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Is Pain In The Left Shoulder An Indication Of Heart Problem?
Question: Does pain in my left shoulder indicate a possible heart problem? I am an 80 year old female. The pain is dull, more of an ache.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
Pain in the left shoulder could be a possible cardiac ischemia issue. But, ther could be also several other alternative explanations (a musculoskeletal disorder, pleural (outer lining of the lings) inflammation, a degenerative backbone disorder, etc.)
So, it is necessary to fully characterize your pain (its nature, exact location, triggering factors, possible irradiation, relation with physical exertion and body posture, etc,)
A careful physical exam by your doctor is the first step to be followed.
Also, some additional tests should be done t oproperly differentiate the responsible cause of your pain:
- resting ECG,
- cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, Troponin I)'
- chest X ray study,
- complete blood count,
- PCR,
- CPK,
- AST & ALT
You need to discuss with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
Pain in the left shoulder could be a possible cardiac ischemia issue. But, ther could be also several other alternative explanations (a musculoskeletal disorder, pleural (outer lining of the lings) inflammation, a degenerative backbone disorder, etc.)
So, it is necessary to fully characterize your pain (its nature, exact location, triggering factors, possible irradiation, relation with physical exertion and body posture, etc,)
A careful physical exam by your doctor is the first step to be followed.
Also, some additional tests should be done t oproperly differentiate the responsible cause of your pain:
- resting ECG,
- cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, Troponin I)'
- chest X ray study,
- complete blood count,
- PCR,
- CPK,
- AST & ALT
You need to discuss with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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