Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Tightness In Chest?
Question: I'm 45 yrs old 140pounds and about 5'4. I'm a little concerned that my chest tightens up when just walking a little faster than normal. I will get short of breath or feel that I'm just not getting enough oxygen and wil have to take deep breaths. This also happens at night when i'm in bed but not everty night. My mother is 65yrs and she was having the tightness in her chest and they found a blockage. Shoul I be Concerned?
Brief Answer:
Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern.
The Shortness of breath and chest tightening upon exertion especially with a positive family history, warrants a cardiac workup.
These are typical symptoms and you should get a baseline ECG , ETT and Echocardiogram done initially to rule out any cardiac cause first.
I would also like to know what your average blood pressure control is ?
Do you experience any chest pain, dizziness/light headedness and confusion ?
Do you use any medications in addition to the anti allergic ones you mentioned ?
If the cardiac cause is successfully ruled out, then other causes can be explored eg a Pulmonary problem like asthma etc, which presents itself in a similar way.
Let me know if you have any query
wishing you best of health
Thanks
Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern.
The Shortness of breath and chest tightening upon exertion especially with a positive family history, warrants a cardiac workup.
These are typical symptoms and you should get a baseline ECG , ETT and Echocardiogram done initially to rule out any cardiac cause first.
I would also like to know what your average blood pressure control is ?
Do you experience any chest pain, dizziness/light headedness and confusion ?
Do you use any medications in addition to the anti allergic ones you mentioned ?
If the cardiac cause is successfully ruled out, then other causes can be explored eg a Pulmonary problem like asthma etc, which presents itself in a similar way.
Let me know if you have any query
wishing you best of health
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Right now my blood pressure is 138/76 I usually run a little lower 120"s.
Medications that I take are: Lunesta and flexeril but only a 1/4 of the pill 2-3 times a day for neck tightness. Ive been suffering with tightness in my shoulders and neck for over a year. I used to take 1-2 flexerils a day for that. I ve been seeing a chiropractor and he also does pressure ponts that seen to help a little. Excedrin 2-4 a day for headaches sometimes 5.
Relpax 4-6 a month during my menstual cycle. I was om Topamax for headaches but took myself off about 6 months ago it was causing kidney stones.
Medications that I take are: Lunesta and flexeril but only a 1/4 of the pill 2-3 times a day for neck tightness. Ive been suffering with tightness in my shoulders and neck for over a year. I used to take 1-2 flexerils a day for that. I ve been seeing a chiropractor and he also does pressure ponts that seen to help a little. Excedrin 2-4 a day for headaches sometimes 5.
Relpax 4-6 a month during my menstual cycle. I was om Topamax for headaches but took myself off about 6 months ago it was causing kidney stones.
Brief Answer:
stop excedrin n relpax for now
Detailed Answer:
hello,
The Blood Pressure is in range and only mildly elevated w.r.t systole but that should not be a worry. Do a recheck after a week if persistently elevated above 140/90, then only can one plan about treatment. Right now its fine.
I have gone through your medication list and would advise you to avoid EXCEDRIN and RELPAX for the time being , till the workup for your problem is done.
EXCEDRIN contains aspirin , which is a salicylate , salicylates are known to cause shortness of breath in susceptible individuals especially with a history of allergies. you may use plain Tylenol instead.
RELPAX contains ELETRIPTAN which is contraindicated in coronary artery disease , Angina, MI and other peripheral vascular disease.
You may initiate both meds once your workup is complete.
Investigations should include
CBC, ESR, COAGULATION PROFILE ( PT/APTT) ,LFTS, RFTS, ELECTROLYTES, FBS ( FASTING BLOOD SUGAR). CHEST X RAY, ECG, PFTS,
let me know if you have any query.
thanks
stop excedrin n relpax for now
Detailed Answer:
hello,
The Blood Pressure is in range and only mildly elevated w.r.t systole but that should not be a worry. Do a recheck after a week if persistently elevated above 140/90, then only can one plan about treatment. Right now its fine.
I have gone through your medication list and would advise you to avoid EXCEDRIN and RELPAX for the time being , till the workup for your problem is done.
EXCEDRIN contains aspirin , which is a salicylate , salicylates are known to cause shortness of breath in susceptible individuals especially with a history of allergies. you may use plain Tylenol instead.
RELPAX contains ELETRIPTAN which is contraindicated in coronary artery disease , Angina, MI and other peripheral vascular disease.
You may initiate both meds once your workup is complete.
Investigations should include
CBC, ESR, COAGULATION PROFILE ( PT/APTT) ,LFTS, RFTS, ELECTROLYTES, FBS ( FASTING BLOOD SUGAR). CHEST X RAY, ECG, PFTS,
let me know if you have any query.
thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
