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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Occasional Pain/pressure On Left Side Of Chest/armpit/arm During Pregnancy?

I get occasional pain/pressure on the left side of my chest, into my left armpit, and sometimes accompanied by a tingling down my left arm. The pain is usually uncomfortable but not disabling. Once it woke me up from sleep and felt rather severe, but it went away within minutes. I have had these symptoms for several years. The discomfort doesn t last very long and doesn t occur regularly. Sometimes when I experience this, I feel a mild shortness of breath, too. I have noticed that it happens most often when I have gas/indigestion. My blood pressure is low and my EKG is normal. My cholesterol levels are normal. My doctor recommended visiting a cardiologist, but I am 12 weeks pregnant and am concerned about undergoing testing. Also, I don t want to go if it really is just gas-related. I am in good health otherwise. Does this sound like angina or indigestion? Is cardiac testing safe during pregnancy? I am 39-years-old, 5 7 , 195 pounds. Thanks!
Fri, 13 Feb 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI,
I understand your concern.
Though you seem to have no cardiac symptoms, ( ECG is normal), you have a long standing history of indigestion/gases - as your doctpr has advised you to get consultation of a cardiologist- it's always good to follow the advise & get the doubt excluded.Cardiac testing is absolutely safe in pregnancy- please don't be scared & go ahead .
To control your problem of indigestion =specially in pregnancy,you should-
- Have small, more frequent( 3 hourly) servings of food(4-5 times a day)
- Take plenty of fibers/water/ salads/vegetables fruits/ proteins so as to seek sufficient nourishment.
- Do not sleep immediately after food.
-Regular yoga exercises under expert care/ walking help good digestion.
-Take digestive enzymes with your doctor's advise .
Thanks.

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What Causes Occasional Pain/pressure On Left Side Of Chest/armpit/arm During Pregnancy?

HI, I understand your concern. Though you seem to have no cardiac symptoms, ( ECG is normal), you have a long standing history of indigestion/gases - as your doctpr has advised you to get consultation of a cardiologist- it s always good to follow the advise & get the doubt excluded.Cardiac testing is absolutely safe in pregnancy- please don t be scared & go ahead . To control your problem of indigestion =specially in pregnancy,you should- - Have small, more frequent( 3 hourly) servings of food(4-5 times a day) - Take plenty of fibers/water/ salads/vegetables fruits/ proteins so as to seek sufficient nourishment. - Do not sleep immediately after food. -Regular yoga exercises under expert care/ walking help good digestion. -Take digestive enzymes with your doctor s advise . Thanks.