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What Causes Sudden Pain In The Chest And Arms In An Elderly Person?
Question: I just experienced a scary moment... I was lying down and choked on spit... I guess... suddenly I developed an immediate and extreme pain in my chest and left arm... all the way to the finger tips.
I have no history of heart problems... I'm 68... what just happened?
I have no history of heart problems... I'm 68... what just happened?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is necessary performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this clinical scenario:
1- Coronary artery disease. Although your symptoms and the pain characteristics are not typical of this disorder, it is necessary to perform some tests like a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes. A cardiac stress test may be needed, if suspicions of coronary artery disease are raised.
2- A backbone disorder, causing radicular pain in this region. A slipped cervical disc, could lead to irradiating pain in this region. For this reason, a cervical spine X ray is needed coupled with a nerve conduction study. Further tests may be needed to exclude this disorder (a cervical spine CT scan).
3- Esophageal spams could also lead to a similar chest pain, but would not explain the irradiating pain in the arm. A fibrogastroscopy may also be needed to investigate for this disorder.
I recommend discussing with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is necessary performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this clinical scenario:
1- Coronary artery disease. Although your symptoms and the pain characteristics are not typical of this disorder, it is necessary to perform some tests like a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes. A cardiac stress test may be needed, if suspicions of coronary artery disease are raised.
2- A backbone disorder, causing radicular pain in this region. A slipped cervical disc, could lead to irradiating pain in this region. For this reason, a cervical spine X ray is needed coupled with a nerve conduction study. Further tests may be needed to exclude this disorder (a cervical spine CT scan).
3- Esophageal spams could also lead to a similar chest pain, but would not explain the irradiating pain in the arm. A fibrogastroscopy may also be needed to investigate for this disorder.
I recommend discussing with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
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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