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What Causes Pain On The Left Side Of The Chest And Underarms?

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Posted on Thu, 2 Feb 2017
Question: I have been having pain on my left chest part, underarms and also some times on Right chest part too.. which just stays for couple of seconds and then goes off. Does these are the signs of heart problems or Gastric problems. Could you please suggest exact action I need to do to ensure what is exactly troubling me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Exact cause can be ruled out only after few basic cardiology investigation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for your query!

As per your query,Exact cause of chest pain can be ruled out only by combination of a very detailed history and by some of the basic tests of cardiology designed to rule out cardiac ischemia.However as per the brief history given by you chest pain lasts only for few seconds and then goes off,A chest pain lasting just for a couple of seconds and not related to exertion is highly unlikely to be of cardiac origin.In angina usually there is a feeling of chest heaviness and pain which is retrosternal,aggravated by exertion and relieves on resting and lasts usually more then 2 minutes.
If you have acid peptic disorder,heartburn or gastritis,Most likely your pain is because of that.
However to clear you from cardiac side i would suggest to you some of the basic investigations of cardiology like Tread mill test and 2d echo cardiography,combined together they have a sensitivity rate of more then 85% to rule out coronary artery disease.As you lipid profile is deranged these tests should be done to rule out coronary artery disease.

Once cleared from cardiac side ,you can start proton pump inhibitor once daily along with some antacids for 14 days,However a upper G.I endoscopy could also be done to rule out the cause of gastritis or acid peptic disorder.
Please answer-
Are you a smoker?
are you a alcoholic?
Do you have gastritis or acid peptic problem?
How are your anxiety levels?
Family history of early cardiac disease?
Details of your lipid profile?
In case you have any other query feel free to ask!

Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rishu Saxena (22 hours later)
Thanks Dr. Rishu for your response. Actually that makes me little relaxed. But please find attached my medical reports for your review.

and answers for the question are as follows:

1. Smoker: No
2. Alcoholic: Yes - Monthly 3 to 4 times but heavily
3. Gastritis/Acid Peptic: Not sure but I do feel that I have gastric problem because I do feel lot of throat burning sensations very frequently and also indigestion.
4. Anxiety Levels: Actually I go very high when some thing goes wrong with me.. I just cant hold my anger I just shout off at people.
5. Family History: Both my parents have high blood pressure (Mother's has been identified a year back)
Lipid Profile : Attached

My only question would be why i am getting this regular pain stroke around my chest area and how would i get to know the exact reason and also ensure that it is cured forever.

Do let me know if you need any further details.

Once again thanks for all your support.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Very likely GERD(gastro esophaleal reflux disease),Gastritis and acidpeptic

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Have gone through your reports and detailed history.
As per you question- why am i getting this regular pain stroke around my chest area and how would i get to know the exact reason?
My answer is
It can be because of your high anxiety levels.
It can be because of acid peptic disorder,GERD,gastritis or oesophageal spasm(Very likely)
It can be because of both the above two factors combined
It can be cardiac in origin,Though highly unlikely as echo and treadmill test are about 85% sensitive to rule out coronary artery disease;and are normal in your case.With very good exercise tolerence.

So two approaches can be followed
1)Either rule out cardiac disease and treat your gastritis and anxiety-Stress thallium test has a sensitivity rate of more then 98% almost equal to angiogram,and is a non invasive test.If it is negative then pain is because of GERD and anxiety.

2)Treat GERD,gastritis and acid peptic disorder plus anxiety for 2 weeks,if pain is relieved its non cardiac in origin.
Cap.Razo dsr (once daily empty stomach) should be taken for 14 days along with Syrup Mucaine gel 10ml twice daily (plesae consult your physician),along with it low doses of anti anxiety medicine like etizolam can be taken(Consult your physician for doses before taking)

You have not asked but your triglyceride levels are really high and tablet fenobrinate should be taken for atleast 3 months along with life style noifications.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Rishu Saxena

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 696 Questions

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What Causes Pain On The Left Side Of The Chest And Underarms?

Brief Answer: Exact cause can be ruled out only after few basic cardiology investigation Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for choosing health care magic for your query! As per your query,Exact cause of chest pain can be ruled out only by combination of a very detailed history and by some of the basic tests of cardiology designed to rule out cardiac ischemia.However as per the brief history given by you chest pain lasts only for few seconds and then goes off,A chest pain lasting just for a couple of seconds and not related to exertion is highly unlikely to be of cardiac origin.In angina usually there is a feeling of chest heaviness and pain which is retrosternal,aggravated by exertion and relieves on resting and lasts usually more then 2 minutes. If you have acid peptic disorder,heartburn or gastritis,Most likely your pain is because of that. However to clear you from cardiac side i would suggest to you some of the basic investigations of cardiology like Tread mill test and 2d echo cardiography,combined together they have a sensitivity rate of more then 85% to rule out coronary artery disease.As you lipid profile is deranged these tests should be done to rule out coronary artery disease. Once cleared from cardiac side ,you can start proton pump inhibitor once daily along with some antacids for 14 days,However a upper G.I endoscopy could also be done to rule out the cause of gastritis or acid peptic disorder. Please answer- Are you a smoker? are you a alcoholic? Do you have gastritis or acid peptic problem? How are your anxiety levels? Family history of early cardiac disease? Details of your lipid profile? In case you have any other query feel free to ask! Thanks