What Causes Pain And Stiffness In Legs, Arms And Chest After Climbing Stairs?

Posted on Wed, 4 Feb 2015

Question: After I climb steep stairs at home many times I will have a vague, tightening-like sensation in my legs, arms, and chest and feel the need to breathe deeply. It goes away quickly. I am wondering if this is something to be concerned about or not. During the past year I have been diagnosed with mild cardiovascular disease because of a scan finding a slight buildup in my arteries in my chest. I had an echocardiogram which found nothing wrong. I am 61 years old. I am right at 5 feet and 127 pounds. I take Atenolol for blood pressure and it stays pretty well controlled most of the time. I also take a Pravastatin for cholesterol. A recent blood test showed my cholesterol pretty good but the doctor is wanting it a little lower so is increasing the dose. I have a pretty strong family history of heart disease. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would advise to perform duplex ultrasound and stress test

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,

If you have mild and vague symptoms it is possible there is nothing serious. But considering the fact that you have been diagnosed cardiovascular disease, there is possibility that chest discomfort can be angina, also the same disease can be present in the arteries of extremities, which can cause such complains. For being in the safe side I would advise you to undergo duplex ultrasound of extremities and have stress test done.

Hope I could help you

Wishing you good health

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj