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What Causes Painful Throbbing Of The Upper Chest?

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Posted on Fri, 21 Nov 2014
Question: I've had a throb for the past 8 days now in th
e top part of chest on the left and right side . Kinda next to the arm pit . It comes and goes throughout the day , the throb lasts for a few seconds. I've been to the E.R I've had a stress test the first time and EKG e everything was normal the cardiologist didn't know why I was doing a stress test . The second time they did another EKG, it was normal told me I need to take Magnesium.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
muscle spasms

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM

I can see you are concerned about having a throbbing and I guess painful throbbing of the upper chest. you have been seen in the ER and EKGs have all been normal and blood work has only seen a low magnesium level. It would be very unusual for a young female to have heart disease. So with your recent lab tests I can reassure you that you do not have a heart problem. This is the reason your cardiologist questioned why you were having a stress test. A stress test in a young female is almost never positive.

From your description and with having a low magnesium level you maybe having spasms of the pectoralis minor muscles of the chest. These are muscles behind the larger pectoralis muscles and are attached to the shoulder. If your magnesium levels are low then they can go into spasms and cause short bursts of spasm and pain. I recommend that you take magnesium supplements. You can get them from your pharmacy and take then daily. I also recommend that you follow up with your regular doctor and have them repeat your magnesium levels.

Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (10 minutes later)
Thank you so much. I meant to say my blood pressure is 106/69 it's pretty stable . I haven't done no exteme activity for this thob to be continuing , I was wondering if it could be something else. I'm 35 years old. I do have extreme panic attacks I failed to mention that
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
healthy

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning your questions

I would add to your therapy a program called cognitive behavior therapy. This is a therapy you can do at home through work books. They have helped numerous of my patients with anxiety and depressive disorders. They help give you strategies to reduce stress and cope with anxiety and panic attacks. You would also benefit from relaxation exercises and meditation. These methods can help. You must at least try and give them an opportunity to work. I good work book to start is called "The Feel Good Handbook" by Dr. Burns

Good luck

Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Painful Throbbing Of The Upper Chest?

Brief Answer: muscle spasms Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM I can see you are concerned about having a throbbing and I guess painful throbbing of the upper chest. you have been seen in the ER and EKGs have all been normal and blood work has only seen a low magnesium level. It would be very unusual for a young female to have heart disease. So with your recent lab tests I can reassure you that you do not have a heart problem. This is the reason your cardiologist questioned why you were having a stress test. A stress test in a young female is almost never positive. From your description and with having a low magnesium level you maybe having spasms of the pectoralis minor muscles of the chest. These are muscles behind the larger pectoralis muscles and are attached to the shoulder. If your magnesium levels are low then they can go into spasms and cause short bursts of spasm and pain. I recommend that you take magnesium supplements. You can get them from your pharmacy and take then daily. I also recommend that you follow up with your regular doctor and have them repeat your magnesium levels. Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions