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What Causes Pain In Center Of The Chest?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jun 2014

Question: Hi. I have had chest pains for about 5 years now. However, they have always been more to the left side of my chest. Knowing my heart is located more in the center, it hadn't been a worry. However, recently, I have been having chest pains in the center of my chest, and when I bend down my chest gets really tight. And if I am leaning back on my couch for awhile and sit up, my chest will be tight and in pain. And it will happen throughout the day, off and on. I am worried something serious may be going on, but I had an EKG about 4 years ago, and I was told my heart is in perfect condition.

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle pain - heart unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Dear friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is practically uncommon in women at this age! And so many years without complications is unlikely!
Your symptoms do not suggest Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Pain related to movements – as you describe – is not from heart. It is likely to be from muscles of the chest wall … spasm from posture, strain, anxiety etc… Pain from the heart is oppressing, worse on effort, relieved by rest, may radiate to shoulders and arms, associated with sweating and so on.

See an Internist / get yourself examined / Have an EKG again – for reassurance / to exclude heart, not to conclude…

Over The Counter Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs like Ibuprofen or naproxen / anxiolytics / hot packs - will be useful in the meanwhile...     Muscle relaxants are useful but may need prescription…
Prognosis is generally excellent in such situations…

Take care
God bless

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

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (14 minutes later)

My left arm will feel odd at times, and I will have pains along my upper left arm and shoulder. But it does not effect my ability to move around, and I do not sweat. Sometimes I catch myself breathing deeply, but never for long.
Also, I have these really, extremely bad torso pains. They are right at the top of my stomach, below my chest. The pain will most of the time travel into my chest as well. This pain started happening around the same time my chest pains did about 5 years ago. It was so bad the first time that I went to the ER. They told me that it was intestine spasms... But again, they lead all the way up to my chest as well... I have never gone back about those pains either. But they still happen. And I have to curl up in a ball to ease the pain at all. I have taken a lot of Ibuprofin, tylonal, etc for the pain, so it doesn't really help all that much anymore because of the tolerance that I have built, I am assuming.
Thank you so much for your answer before, you are a great help! I hope you can further assist me with all I have mentioned. Thank you, again.

God Bless, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (14 minutes later)

Oh, and if I stay up late, or it is cold outside, that triggers my chest pain. I'm not sure whether or not that information is significant.

Thank again!

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The description is rather typical of Anxiety!
Stress is the most likely cause!

You will benefit from Psychological assessment and assistance.
Have a few investigations – like repeat ECG / X-ray chest & neck / blood tests – for reassurance
Counselling / at times drugs – will help
Learn to relax / Go to beach, garden, walk / do relaxation exercises or yoga / establish better rapport with family & friends

Have confidence in yourself…
You are well; You will be well

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (6 minutes later)

Thank you, I was worried that I would die in my sleep or something. So you do not believe that it is necessary that I visit a doctor, aside from a psychologist? Because I would rather not have to pay for something, especially if it will not benefit me.

Thank you again
God Bless!

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
All well ...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Relax
It is natural to get anxious and upset, until things are understood
You are intelligent / motivated...
You will be well
You have a long life ahead

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (5 hours later)

Thank you, very much. This is such a great service to have available. You have been very helpful!

God Bless and take care!

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing well

Detailed Answer:
God bless you
Have a great life

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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