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What Causes Intermittent Chest Discomfort And Negative Stress Test?
Question: having occasional mild chest discomfort 1/10 got stress test. Which was normal labs showed neg trop but still continue to have episode could this be stress or should I be concern
Brief Answer:
Likely chest wall muscle pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Your symptoms do not suggest Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)… pain from the heart is oppressing, in central chest (and left), worse on effort, relieved by rest, may radiate to shoulders and arms, associated with sweating and so on.
A negative stress test practically rules out
Likely to be muscular – chest wall muscle sprain from posture, stress etc.
Over The Counter (OTC) Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) like Ibuprofen can help / Muscle relaxants help – but may need prescription
If the pain continues or becomes worse, the next step is TMT (Treadmill Exercise ECG) with thallium isotope. It is the ideal non-invasive way to evaluate ischemia / to assess the PHYSIOLOGY (function) – to see whether the blood arriving at the heart muscle. If there is a suggestion, the next step is to see the ANATOMY (structure) – CT angio is non-invasive study for the anatomy. If positive, one will need catheterisation, which is invasive. The treating doctor alone could conclude better based on total clinical picture…
Good luck
God bless you
Likely chest wall muscle pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Your symptoms do not suggest Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)… pain from the heart is oppressing, in central chest (and left), worse on effort, relieved by rest, may radiate to shoulders and arms, associated with sweating and so on.
A negative stress test practically rules out
Likely to be muscular – chest wall muscle sprain from posture, stress etc.
Over The Counter (OTC) Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) like Ibuprofen can help / Muscle relaxants help – but may need prescription
If the pain continues or becomes worse, the next step is TMT (Treadmill Exercise ECG) with thallium isotope. It is the ideal non-invasive way to evaluate ischemia / to assess the PHYSIOLOGY (function) – to see whether the blood arriving at the heart muscle. If there is a suggestion, the next step is to see the ANATOMY (structure) – CT angio is non-invasive study for the anatomy. If positive, one will need catheterisation, which is invasive. The treating doctor alone could conclude better based on total clinical picture…
Good luck
God bless you
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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