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Over The Last Few Weeks I Have Been Getting Random
Question: Over the last few weeks I have been getting random pain in the upper left hand part of my chest, it seems to mostly happen when I’m lying down, and only lasts for about 30 minutes or so, do I need to seek medical attention?
Brief Answer:
Yes, you should go for a few tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing 'Ask a Doctor' service for your query,
There are three possible causes of left-sided off and on chest pain.
1)CARDIAC- Blood supply to the heart is hampered causing left-sided chest pain however chest pain usually stops on taking rest and usually radiates to hands but unfortunately classical presentation is there in only 30% of cases. This is called angina.
2)Acid peptic and reflux disorder
It causes inflammation and even ulcers in the gut as well as food pipe causing pain. Often seen when a patient lies down as acid is refluxed back into the esophagus causing inflammation and pain. The characteristic feature of this disorder is that it responds to antacids. You may take over the counter omeprazole 40 mg once daily and see if pain responds to it.
3)Musculoskeletal pain or costochondritis - Once both the conditions are ruled out a physical examination is done to rule out inflammation in muscles and cartilage.
Suggestion
Go for two cardiac tests
Echo-To see the performance of the heart
Treadmill test- To look for any blockages
Combined together these tests are more than 85% sensitive to rule out the blockage in vessels supplying the heart.
If these tests are ok
Proceed for endoscopy to rule out acid peptic and reflux disorder.
If it's ok then go for physical examination by orthopedics.
Please mention your age and sex with follow up.
Hope this was easy to understand,
Do feel free to follow up,
Thanks.
Yes, you should go for a few tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing 'Ask a Doctor' service for your query,
There are three possible causes of left-sided off and on chest pain.
1)CARDIAC- Blood supply to the heart is hampered causing left-sided chest pain however chest pain usually stops on taking rest and usually radiates to hands but unfortunately classical presentation is there in only 30% of cases. This is called angina.
2)Acid peptic and reflux disorder
It causes inflammation and even ulcers in the gut as well as food pipe causing pain. Often seen when a patient lies down as acid is refluxed back into the esophagus causing inflammation and pain. The characteristic feature of this disorder is that it responds to antacids. You may take over the counter omeprazole 40 mg once daily and see if pain responds to it.
3)Musculoskeletal pain or costochondritis - Once both the conditions are ruled out a physical examination is done to rule out inflammation in muscles and cartilage.
Suggestion
Go for two cardiac tests
Echo-To see the performance of the heart
Treadmill test- To look for any blockages
Combined together these tests are more than 85% sensitive to rule out the blockage in vessels supplying the heart.
If these tests are ok
Proceed for endoscopy to rule out acid peptic and reflux disorder.
If it's ok then go for physical examination by orthopedics.
Please mention your age and sex with follow up.
Hope this was easy to understand,
Do feel free to follow up,
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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