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What Causes Discomfort Around Collar Bones And Lightheaded Feeling?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Feb 2015
Question: I seem to be having some mild discomfort just around my collar bones. It seems more like a thobbing that pain. Possibly a strain as i carry a rather heavy purse. My concern is that lately I have also had a little elevation of blood pressure which I have never had before. Usually run average but after having a some light headed feeling, I checked it and it was 146/91 which is high for me. I am very healthy except for reflux.
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Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Provided a list of causes for you ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Well ma'am, there are many factors that can cause an increase or elevation in blood pressure, and I feel I should begin with listing these causes in order to better understand what could be causing an elevation in your case. They are:

+Diet: Especially an increased salt intake
+Smoking
+Older age
+Increased stress levels
+Being over-weight
+Increased alcohol consumption
+Thyroid abnormalities
+Low or absence of physical activity
+Adrenal abnormalities
+Kidney abnormalities
+Genetics or family history of hypertension
+Other medical conditions and current or recent infections can also influence blood pressure

Now that I have listed these causes for your better understanding, please do write back to me with an explanation of any cause that you feel could be the most probable cause for your blood pressure elevation.

As you do have at least older age on your list of risk factors, I would recommend a Holter's device monitoring device which would help monitor your blood pressure and cardiac activity through an entire day (i.e. 24 hours) while you are going through your daily activities. This can then be used to check for any elevations, and whether the elevation is constant or not.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
most of these do not apply to me. I don't smoke, drink, and do exercise some. The throbbing in my neck above my collar bones could possibly be an issue with my thyroid?My last physical which was last summer did not show any issues, however,my doctor did not test the thyroid nor an EKG nor chest x-ray.

No one in my family has ever had an issue with anything except heart problems. I just wanted to rule that out.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thank you for that information ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

And thank you so much for that kind response.

Yes, thyroid abnormalities can also influence blood pressure, but only mildly. The elevation you are experiencing is also categorised as mild, and could be attributed to thyroid abnormalities.

I would also like to add that heart problems in the family are also associated with hypertension. So from the currently provided information there are two possible causes for your elevation and so I would recommend the following:

+Blood pressure examination with the help of a Holter's device
+Thyroid profile
+EKG
+2D echo of your heart

I am sure a more elaborate evaluation will help to find the cause for the elevation. But I would also like to add that elevated blood pressure readings taken on at least 3 different occasions and during three different times of the day is diagnosed to be hypertension. So until that is done, you are still not considered to be hypertensive ma'am. So please do make sure you have your blood pressure monitored on at least two more occasions on different days, and on different times of the day and from the same clinic or machine preferably to avoid discrepancies and for a confirmation of hypertension.

I hope this information clears a few more of your doubts. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Discomfort Around Collar Bones And Lightheaded Feeling?

Brief Answer: Provided a list of causes for you ma'am Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Well ma'am, there are many factors that can cause an increase or elevation in blood pressure, and I feel I should begin with listing these causes in order to better understand what could be causing an elevation in your case. They are: +Diet: Especially an increased salt intake +Smoking +Older age +Increased stress levels +Being over-weight +Increased alcohol consumption +Thyroid abnormalities +Low or absence of physical activity +Adrenal abnormalities +Kidney abnormalities +Genetics or family history of hypertension +Other medical conditions and current or recent infections can also influence blood pressure Now that I have listed these causes for your better understanding, please do write back to me with an explanation of any cause that you feel could be the most probable cause for your blood pressure elevation. As you do have at least older age on your list of risk factors, I would recommend a Holter's device monitoring device which would help monitor your blood pressure and cardiac activity through an entire day (i.e. 24 hours) while you are going through your daily activities. This can then be used to check for any elevations, and whether the elevation is constant or not. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you. Best wishes.