What Could Cause Recurrent Complaints Of Chest Pain In A 10-year-old?

Posted on Wed, 17 Feb 2021

Question: 10 year old complained of chest pain 4 times in last couple of months. All have occured due to heat. One was at beach bath and playing ball outside when it was hot. Taking him to cardiologist. What could it be?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I would explain that it is necessary performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis, between different possible causes that may lead to such clinical scenario: a congenital heart disorder (considering his young age), anxiety or a lung disorder.

For this reason, I would recommend consulting with his pediatrician for a physical exam and some tests:

- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests
- complete blood count, PCR and ESR for inflammation
- thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (51 minutes later)

Hello i have an appt with cardiologist for ekg and ultrasound. Do u think it sounds like lungs? What would cbc be looking for?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

A lung disorder (like asthma) or a local muscle pain (inflammation) can not be excluded either, considering that it was related to straining physical activity and hot air.

Besides, at his age, a lung disorder or local muscle pain would be more likely compared to a cardiac disorder.

That is why I would recommend checking also his lungs, besides the heart.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

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

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