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Posted 2/12/2016 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
What could cause chest pains if the EKG is normal? I get chest pains a lot and today I was sent to the ER because my doctor was concerned. They did blood work, EKG, and ct scan and everything was normal. What else could be the reason for the chest pains? They typically last around 30 minutes, but today it was like 4 hours. The pain is usually in the center and to the left. Usually the pains moves into my shoulder, neck, jaw, and get tingling in my left arm. I don't necessarily have trouble breathing or anything, but its more like it feels like enough air doesn't get in, if that makes sense. I have seen cardiology in the past but they said I was fine and didn't need to keep being seen, but looking for some answers and not sure what I should do next. Any suggestions on other tests I can ask for or ideas of what it could be?
Posted 2/12/2016 5:57 AM (GMT 0)
There are so many reasons for chest pain-some that aren't a big deal at all, and others that need immediate attention.

You mentioned you have a cardiologist-that's the Dr I would definitely press for answers. A 24hr monitor can be helpful, because an EKG is like taking a photo at a specific time. I wear a month long monitor about once a year which obviously provides a ton of info.

Do you have any other longstanding health issues?
Posted 2/12/2016 6:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome,as Roc says it could be so many things but none as dangerous as cardiac issues many of which can go undetected and easily missed. Stay on the cardiologist definitely an the next time one of those episode's occur go to the ER while it's happening. Some issues are only picked up on during the actual occurrence and after the fact the ekg and testing returns to normal. It may not be cardio at all but you want to be sure of that then move on to pulmonary because this as well can cause problems with pain in the chest. Good luck and hopefully this is nothing more than some really bad acid reflux or hiatal hernia.
Posted 2/12/2016 7:39 AM (GMT 0)
as above. don't mess with chest pain. keep strong.
Posted 2/12/2016 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
I do have some chronic health conditions. I get migraines all the time, I have degenerative disc disease, I have MS, I just had my thyroid removed due to thyroid cancer. I am a 33 year old woman and it stinks to have all this going on so young, but I am trying to make sure that my doctors are checking the right things and not just dismissing it as being nothing because of my age. I use the Veterans Affairs doctors and they do not always do the best job, but as a disabled veteran I get free health care from them. So if there are any tests that would be helpful, please let me know. I want to get an answer or at least know that it is nothing serious. Thank you for any advice or help.
Posted 2/13/2016 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
If it recurs and you call the ambulance/rescue squad, have them put you on the heart monitor right away. You may want to write it down and keep it handy for them, in the event you can't communicate what you need. Your cardiologist can order a Holter monitor that is worn at all times (except bathing). This will give him/her a clear picture of the day to day behavior of your heart.

Some things to consider...is there a particular position that triggers the chest pain? Does it occur after eating? What types of food? The reason I ask is there is a condition called 'referred pain'. At one point, I was sure I was having a heart attack. The pain in my left chest was paralyzing. It spread up into my neck and jaw and radiated down my left arm. The culprit...honeydew melon! It had created a gas bubble that pushed everything else out of whack! Seriously.

Keep a food journal, what you eat, when you eat it. Write down any 'out of the ordinary' feelings you may get. Obviously, I avoid honeydew melon. While I love it...it doesn't love me back! I am also cautious with all melons.
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