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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chest Discomfort And Pain In The Shoulder Blades?

Having discomfort in my chest, some pain middle of my shoulder blades. tingling in my arms. 63 male, take 100mg of Metoprolol 2 times a day, and 40mg Simvastatin at bedtime. happening sense middle of the day. also had some on and off episodes last week. Heart attack? or? and should I go to emergency? YYYY@YYYY
Mon, 7 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Short answer: Yes, please go to the emergency department to rule out angina, or impending heart attack.

Long answer:
Hi there,

I would be more cautious because I am assuming that you are taking the Metoprolol and Simvastatin for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This means that you are at higher risk than the average population for getting heart attacks, on top of the increased risks of your gender and age.

Yes, heart attacks can be felt as just a discomfort, and yes, can be felt at the back as well. The other thing that can feel that way is acid reflux, but it is less common to have arm tingling with reflux. Plus, it is far less dangerous to have reflux than a heart attack, so I would rule out the life threatening possibility first.

The other factor is that you have already been having it on and off for a week, which may be a sign that your coronary arteries are getting more blocked with time. So I would highly suggest that you get yourself to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Hope this helps, and keep well.

Regards,
Dr. Teh
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What Causes Chest Discomfort And Pain In The Shoulder Blades?

Short answer: Yes, please go to the emergency department to rule out angina, or impending heart attack. Long answer: Hi there, I would be more cautious because I am assuming that you are taking the Metoprolol and Simvastatin for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This means that you are at higher risk than the average population for getting heart attacks, on top of the increased risks of your gender and age. Yes, heart attacks can be felt as just a discomfort, and yes, can be felt at the back as well. The other thing that can feel that way is acid reflux, but it is less common to have arm tingling with reflux. Plus, it is far less dangerous to have reflux than a heart attack, so I would rule out the life threatening possibility first. The other factor is that you have already been having it on and off for a week, which may be a sign that your coronary arteries are getting more blocked with time. So I would highly suggest that you get yourself to the emergency room as soon as possible. Hope this helps, and keep well. Regards, Dr. Teh