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What Causes Chest Pain In An Elderly Person?
Question: My father is experiencing pain under his right breast (chest). He went to his doctor today to have it checked. They told him that it may be muscle spasms. It started yesterday morning, got better but came back today (every 10 minutes or so). They checked him and ruled out anything that they thought might be more serious. I thought he should have had an EKG to rule out anything dealing with his heart. Your professional opinion please.
Brief Answer:
Some basic tests at least
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
A localized pain, in only one point of tge body, especially where there are bones, cartilages and muscles, is almost always attributed to the inflammation of these structures or to a muscle spasm. I also think that the highest probability is that a muscle is causing this. However, based on his age of 85 years old and on the fact that the ribcage has so many structures, some tests, I think, should be done. Although certain other disorders of lungs and heart are with low index of suspicion, based solely on the symptom and its description, these tests would be appropriate:
- an EKG - to assess the heart's electrical and conduction systems, to confirm/exclude anything acute or chronic
- a plain chest X-ray - to evaluate the structure of the lungs, their linings (pleura) and the heart lining (pericardium) for chronic or acute inflammation or other conditions.
Based on the results of these tests, further tests may be recommended or the case will be rested, if concluded that there is nothing wrong.
I hope I have been of help. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Some basic tests at least
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
A localized pain, in only one point of tge body, especially where there are bones, cartilages and muscles, is almost always attributed to the inflammation of these structures or to a muscle spasm. I also think that the highest probability is that a muscle is causing this. However, based on his age of 85 years old and on the fact that the ribcage has so many structures, some tests, I think, should be done. Although certain other disorders of lungs and heart are with low index of suspicion, based solely on the symptom and its description, these tests would be appropriate:
- an EKG - to assess the heart's electrical and conduction systems, to confirm/exclude anything acute or chronic
- a plain chest X-ray - to evaluate the structure of the lungs, their linings (pleura) and the heart lining (pericardium) for chronic or acute inflammation or other conditions.
Based on the results of these tests, further tests may be recommended or the case will be rested, if concluded that there is nothing wrong.
I hope I have been of help. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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