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What Causes Pain In The Chest And Neck After Open-heart Surgery?
Question: I have had open heart surgery 5 years ago been okay but chest neck pack are hurting what should I do?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to the open heart surgery, because it has been a very long time since surgery.
Considering the fact that the pain in in the chest and neck, a chronic degeneration of the cervical vertebral column, including a disk herniation can not be excluded.
Other possible causes to consider would be gastroesophageal reflux or coronary artery disease.
Is the pain triggered by neck movement, deep breathing or body movement? This would indicate a musculo-skeletal issues (including the above mentioned cervical column disorders).
Does ibuprofen help improve your situation? This would be another argument in favor of a musculoskeletal disorder.
Anyway, if the problem persists, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- a cervical spine X Ray study
- complete blood count, PCR and ESR for inflammation.
Considering the fact that you have had open heart surgery 5 years ago, I would find reasonable performing an exercise cardiac stress test.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to the open heart surgery, because it has been a very long time since surgery.
Considering the fact that the pain in in the chest and neck, a chronic degeneration of the cervical vertebral column, including a disk herniation can not be excluded.
Other possible causes to consider would be gastroesophageal reflux or coronary artery disease.
Is the pain triggered by neck movement, deep breathing or body movement? This would indicate a musculo-skeletal issues (including the above mentioned cervical column disorders).
Does ibuprofen help improve your situation? This would be another argument in favor of a musculoskeletal disorder.
Anyway, if the problem persists, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
- a cervical spine X Ray study
- complete blood count, PCR and ESR for inflammation.
Considering the fact that you have had open heart surgery 5 years ago, I would find reasonable performing an exercise cardiac stress test.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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