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Suggest Treatment For Sharp Pain In Chest
Question: I have a sharp pain in the middle/center of my chest; almost like I got hit with a hammer just above the sternum . It started around 5:30am this morning and has not diminished. It is not radiating anywhere. It is just right in the center of my chest
Brief Answer:
Recommended to go to the emergency room
Detailed Answer:
Hello, sir! Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Sharp pain present in the chest area predominantly comes from acute or chronic inflammation of the within-ribcage (intrathoracic) linings that surroung certain organs: pericardium (lining of the heart) and pleura (lining of the lungs). This is called pleuritic chest pain. In fewer cases, it can also accompany acute problems in the aorta (if severe, in intensity). My recommendation is that you should seek medical attention in an emergency room of a healthcare facility nearby, so that chest X-ray (to confirm or exclude inflammation of the pleura) and EKG and echocardiogram (to confirm or exclude the cardiac or pericardial origin of the chestpain) should be performed. If the attending physician judges that there may be a problem with the aorta, a computed tomography (CT) scan, would be in order. If the pain is present, and it does not change in severity or becomes worse, my recommendation is that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help. I kindly ask to rate my answer, if you do not. Wish you a good health.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Recommended to go to the emergency room
Detailed Answer:
Hello, sir! Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Sharp pain present in the chest area predominantly comes from acute or chronic inflammation of the within-ribcage (intrathoracic) linings that surroung certain organs: pericardium (lining of the heart) and pleura (lining of the lungs). This is called pleuritic chest pain. In fewer cases, it can also accompany acute problems in the aorta (if severe, in intensity). My recommendation is that you should seek medical attention in an emergency room of a healthcare facility nearby, so that chest X-ray (to confirm or exclude inflammation of the pleura) and EKG and echocardiogram (to confirm or exclude the cardiac or pericardial origin of the chestpain) should be performed. If the attending physician judges that there may be a problem with the aorta, a computed tomography (CT) scan, would be in order. If the pain is present, and it does not change in severity or becomes worse, my recommendation is that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help. I kindly ask to rate my answer, if you do not. Wish you a good health.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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