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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Severe Pain Around The Chest Indicate?

I have esophageal (nutcracker) spasms. I have been under a Dr. care for 2 years. Thought it was my gallbladder that came out. Still have the severe pains around my chest. We have found that taking a nitro pill helps the pain go away. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes. There is no pattern when I get it. Now I seem to be getting the pain more often (about 4 times a month). I was told I could try Cardizem daily, but, since I wasn t getting the pain often we decided to stick with the nitro. Would like to know what you would recommend. I have had the manometry test.
Tue, 26 Jun 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Your symptoms are suggestive of angina. Angina is usually due to heart disease. A fatty substance called plaque builds up in your arteries, blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. This forces your heart to work with less oxygen. That causes pain. Treatment depends on how much damage there is to your heart. For people with mild angina, medicine and lifestyle changes can often help blood flow better and control symptoms. Kindly consult a cardiologist.

Your doctor might prescribe medicines to:

1. Widen blood vessels, letting more blood flow to the heart
2. Slow the heart down so it doesn't have to work as hard
3. Relax blood vessels to let more blood flow to the heart
4. Prevent blood clots

If meds aren't enough, you may need to have blocked arteries opened with a medical procedure or surgery. This could be:

1. Angioplasty /stenting
2. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or bypass surgery

It's important that you listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop what you’re doing and rest. Know what triggers your angina, like stress or intense exercise. Try to avoid things that tend to set it off. For example, if large meals cause problems, eat smaller ones and eat more often.

These lifestyle changes can help protect your heart:

1. Stop smoking . It can damage your blood vessels and increase your heart disease risk.

2. Eat a heart-healthy diet to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When those are out of normal range, your chance for heart disease can rise. Eat mainly fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, and fat-free or low-fat dairy. Limit salt, fat, and sugar.

3. Use stress-relieving measures like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to relax.

4. Exercise most days of the week.

5. See your doctor regularly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Does Severe Pain Around The Chest Indicate?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Your symptoms are suggestive of angina. Angina is usually due to heart disease. A fatty substance called plaque builds up in your arteries, blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. This forces your heart to work with less oxygen. That causes pain. Treatment depends on how much damage there is to your heart. For people with mild angina, medicine and lifestyle changes can often help blood flow better and control symptoms. Kindly consult a cardiologist. Your doctor might prescribe medicines to: 1. Widen blood vessels, letting more blood flow to the heart 2. Slow the heart down so it doesn t have to work as hard 3. Relax blood vessels to let more blood flow to the heart 4. Prevent blood clots If meds aren t enough, you may need to have blocked arteries opened with a medical procedure or surgery. This could be: 1. Angioplasty /stenting 2. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or bypass surgery It s important that you listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop what you’re doing and rest. Know what triggers your angina, like stress or intense exercise. Try to avoid things that tend to set it off. For example, if large meals cause problems, eat smaller ones and eat more often. These lifestyle changes can help protect your heart: 1. Stop smoking . It can damage your blood vessels and increase your heart disease risk. 2. Eat a heart-healthy diet to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When those are out of normal range, your chance for heart disease can rise. Eat mainly fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, and fat-free or low-fat dairy. Limit salt, fat, and sugar. 3. Use stress-relieving measures like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to relax. 4. Exercise most days of the week. 5. See your doctor regularly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.