What Causes Chest Pain Inspite Of Normal Tests?

Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014

Question: I am a 64 year old woman who had her gallbladder removed in 2011 and remained nauseous with pains in left upper quadrant for 7 months later... I had a myriad of tests including CT scans, small bowel studies, colonoscopy, endoscopy, x-rays, barium swallows, MRIs and a gastric emptying study...of all the tests, the only abnormal one was the GES which was very high normal (whatever that means)..so for a few months, I was treated with erythromycin, ca radiate, Protonix, amend Zantac and eventually got better and regained the 30 pounds I had lost( before getting sick, I weighed 125at 5'3" ) I didn't feel perfect but have felt fairly well until recently...I usually walk two miles a day and go to a Zumba dancing class 4 days a week..however, the Nast two weeks I have had the digestive issues again with some diarrhea and feelings like upper chest pain (just kind of tightness) , upper shoulder, neck achiness and mild queasiness...I went to my cardiologist for my yearly(I also have mild mitral valve prolapse)...he did a cardio CTand my number was 0, cholesterol was 160 and HDL/ LDL ratio was excellent he said, and my stress test was normal....I have had chest pains on and off for years when this manifests... But even though these tests are normal, I am still worried...do you think it could be a heart condition causing this or heartburn/ reflux...my digestive issue seem better but not gone...I feel I have suffered with some issues of dysautonomia for much of my life...I suffered sever panic attacks years ago when in college and on and off for years when my kids were young..is there any other testing you would suggest?

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: No test required. Life style modification Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using HCM I went through your query and understood your concerns. Most of your tests were with in normal limit as you have mentioned, less chances of heart is cause for your chest pain. stress test also normal as you have got it done. Its good that you have got investigated to rule out cardiac problem. no need of other test required. Regular general check up and basic test done. Mitral valve prolapse do produce chest pain in few patients. Depends on severity of valve prolapse. Just get examined by your doctor and review your repots. If you provide me some more information regarding chest pain, its useful to help you in a better way. onset of pain, what makes it worsen, how long it lasts, what makes you feel better. I usually treat my patients with these complaints with few life style modifications like Regular exercise and healthy diet to maintain healthy weight. Meditation do help you a lot. Protan pump inhibitor like pantiorazole 40 mg 30 min before breakfast once a day for a week and avoid spicy food for few days. Try these measures for few days. I hope this helps you. Feel free to ask further related query. Wish you a good health. Regards

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