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What Causes Heaviness, Dull Chest Pain Radiating To Shoulder Blade And Neck?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015

Question: Hello a couple of evenings ago I experienced a heavy dull ache in my chest. It was completely out of the blue. I was watching tv. It gradually seemed to radiate around and in my shoulder blades and lower neck. I was able to breathe by little short breaths as I felt as if I had a heavy object on my chest. This lasted around 40mins. I went to bed but had to sit up as I was uncomfortable lying down. I am healthy fit 72years old widow. Not prone to anxiety and have not been to see my Doctor for a couple of years. I dont want to bother him now. Was this indigestion.? I hadn't eaten for at least four hours before. .I am a fit 72year old, walk at least 3miles daily with my dog and I am not overweight. I enjoy a glass of wine now and again but have never smoked.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cardiac pain is a possibility and EKG is advisable

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
Have you been getting any kind of discomfort when you were walking uphill or doing anything strenuous? If so then the pain you had could be from the heart. A pain from the spine or a pain from the esophagus also may be felt the same way.
It would be good to have an EKG done, as a pain from the heart should be taken care of and should not be missed.
I shall be happy to answer if you have further queries.
Take care
Dr Noble Zachariah

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar