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What Causes Sharp Pains On Left Side Of Sternum?
Question: I was in XXXXXXX for the weekend. I was getting ready at my hotel with my boyfriend and started feeling sharp stabbing pains to the left of my sternum under my breast. I could not take a deep breath nor could I raise my arm over my head. It lasted for 2 hours and my significant other took me to the ER. I was given nitroglycerin, baby aspirin, ECGs were performed, blood work was done and I had a CT with contrast to look at the vessels in my heart. Nothing was found. I'm 43, very active, exercise regularly, I don't smoke, I'm not taking any medications, I eat a low animal protein diet, never had kids, don't take hormones. I've felt this pain before but always shaken it off and it's always gone away within a minute or two. This scared me enough to go to the ER while away from home. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm back in my home town in northern NV today after flying home this morning. What could that pain have been? I will be following up with a primary care MD here and a Cardiologist. Help?
Brief Answer:
Cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal problems should be excluded...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I read your query and understood your concern.
Based on the data you provided I think Coronary acute syndrome (and heart attack) were ruled out by doctors. However this doesn't exclude chest pain of cardiac origin. This is why i think you shouldn't worry to much.
Also this pain may be due to other causes especially, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal problems.
If you were my patient i would like to suggest doing the following examinations:
- Cardiac Echo
- Stress test
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Upper endoscopy
This will help to find out the right diagnosis.
Hope this was of help.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal problems should be excluded...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I read your query and understood your concern.
Based on the data you provided I think Coronary acute syndrome (and heart attack) were ruled out by doctors. However this doesn't exclude chest pain of cardiac origin. This is why i think you shouldn't worry to much.
Also this pain may be due to other causes especially, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal problems.
If you were my patient i would like to suggest doing the following examinations:
- Cardiac Echo
- Stress test
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Upper endoscopy
This will help to find out the right diagnosis.
Hope this was of help.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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