HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Chest Pain Radiating To Left Shoulder?

default
Posted on Wed, 5 Nov 2014
Question: I am an H1N1 survivor with leftover severe COPD, in April I suffered a collapsed trachea and right lung. I also have spinal disk degeneration disease with spondylosis from c3-c5. I have been having heart pains that require and after I take Nitro it calms down. I went through a cardiac XXXXXXX on Friday which showed that there was no more than 10% arterial blockage. my question is : what else could be causing the heart and back (under the shoulder blade) cramping that makes me stop everything and take nitro.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Amarnath (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Chest pain radiating to shoulder is Angina

Detailed Answer:
Chest pain radiating to Left shoulder which is relieved on taking nitrates is surely angina. Cervical spinal degeneration may also mimic a radiating pain but it will not be relieved by nitrates. I want you to continue your medications and I want you to get additionally investigated; the investigations include
electro cardiogram(ECG), echocardiogram, LIpid Profile (total cholesterol, LDL,HDL,VLDL)

With the investigations I want you to have a check up with a cardiologist with your angiogram results.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have follow up query.
With regards

Dr.Amarnath


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Amarnath (28 hours later)
Thank you Dr Amarnath:
I had a cardiac XXXXXXX on Friday, they went in through the right side of my groin, I have been checking for bruising or other indicators of issues but find nothing except severe pain to my groin and right thigh. Is this normal and if so; does it usually last over 90 hours to stop hurting? thank you for your advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Amarnath (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you may need minimal analgesics for a week

Detailed Answer:
welcome to healthcare magic,
Some patients have pain for a week so nothing to worry.
Cardiac catheterization involves introducing a guide wire through the femoral artery situated in your Groin to the coronary arteries and visualize them.
During the procedure a small whole is made in these arteries.
Because of this after removing bleeding and pain occurs.
Bleeding is stopped by giving a strong pressure manually in that area.
It is usually painful in the groin for a few days after cardiac catheterization.
Immediately after the procedure if the pain is significant a gentle narcotic is administered.
If I were your treating doctor i will surely recommend you to treat the pain now with mild analgesics like acetaminophen or aspirin.
If the pain is associated with redness and fever or with other symptoms of infection you may have to visit your treating physician. otherwise it is fine
hope this explains
with regards
Dr.Amarnath
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Amarnath

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 463 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Chest Pain Radiating To Left Shoulder?

Brief Answer: Chest pain radiating to shoulder is Angina Detailed Answer: Chest pain radiating to Left shoulder which is relieved on taking nitrates is surely angina. Cervical spinal degeneration may also mimic a radiating pain but it will not be relieved by nitrates. I want you to continue your medications and I want you to get additionally investigated; the investigations include electro cardiogram(ECG), echocardiogram, LIpid Profile (total cholesterol, LDL,HDL,VLDL) With the investigations I want you to have a check up with a cardiologist with your angiogram results. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have follow up query. With regards Dr.Amarnath