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What Causes Pin Pricking Chest Pain When Cholesterol Level Is 219?

Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015

Question: For the last few months I have been having small uncomfortable pin prick chest pains on either side, it lasts only a second to a few seconds, most of the time I believe it's heartburn and anti acids get rid of it, sometimes not though, I recently had my cholesterol checked it is 219, no high blood pressure, I do drink 1 cup of coffee almost everyday, have a highly stressful career, have a history of acid reflux as recent as 3 months ago, we tend to eat dinners late at night about 2 hours before bed, I am also overweight at 6'2 280 lbs, don't smoke or drink alcohol, I used to but quit 4 years ago, I try to eat healthy but usually don't out of convience, heart related or gurd?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms are typical for GERD (acid reflux) and doesn't seems related to cardiac issues. This conclusion is based on the following facts:
- Pain is relieved from antacids
- Positive history for acid reflux
- The fact that you have dinners at late hours.

My suggestion is to avoid eating dinners at least 3 hours before laying to bed, eat healthy and avoid spicy food. Take regularly antacids and omeprasole to get ride of GERD symptoms.

However I recommend to plan the following exams to definitely exclude any cardiac issues:
- ECG
- Cardiac echo
- Stress test

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

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