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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Tightness In The Chest With Shortness Of Breath?

I feel quite stressed and have done for a long time. I have a constant tight feeling in my chest, particularly under my left breast and into my left arm pit. A few weeks ago i was sitting talking to a friend, leaned slightly to the left side and got very sharp fluttering type pains where my heart is. These caused me to feel very breathless and if I took in a breath the pain was worse. the pains lasted for about 20 mins. I had another episode the next day which lasted a few minutes. I have had these previously once or twice. What do you think the cause is?
Tue, 4 Jul 2017
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms are not typical of any cardiac disorders.

But, it is necessary to investigate for the possible causes. For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam and some tests:

-a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
-a cervical spine X ray for a possible disc herniation, which could lead to radicular nerve pain in this region
- an exercise cardiac stress test, to exclude possible coronary artery disease.

I would also recommend trying an anti-acid o omeprazole. If the pain is relieved bt these drugs, it would be indicative of gastro-esophageal reflux as the main cause of your troubles.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
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What Causes Tightness In The Chest With Shortness Of Breath?

Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms are not typical of any cardiac disorders. But, it is necessary to investigate for the possible causes. For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam and some tests: -a chest X ray study and pulmonary function tests - a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound - complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation -a cervical spine X ray for a possible disc herniation, which could lead to radicular nerve pain in this region - an exercise cardiac stress test, to exclude possible coronary artery disease. I would also recommend trying an anti-acid o omeprazole. If the pain is relieved bt these drugs, it would be indicative of gastro-esophageal reflux as the main cause of your troubles. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Wishing all the best, Dr. Iliri