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

question-icon

What Causes Intermittent Pain In Chest?

default
Posted on Fri, 20 Nov 2015
Question: I've been having sub sternal intermittent discomfort on and off all day, it 's like a quick pulsating pain that comes and goes. I also had a few episodes yesterday but today it hasn't stopped. I am 80 yrs old and had a heart attack several years ago. I'm on metropolol for BP well controlled. Any ideas?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Need to look for myocardial infarction or aortic aneurysm

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. If its a burning pain, antacids should help with gastritis. If you take antacids, or cold milk and pain is not reducing, we need to look for cardiovascular causes.
2. At present, need to look into myocardial infarction or dissecting aortic aneurysm. Need to go to ER to get an ECG to rule out myocardial infarction. If ECG is presently not indicating a new infarction, any aortic aneurysm requires evaluation.

Go to ER immediately. At this age, intermittent discomfort, substernal - myocardial infarction is a primary suspect especially if you rule out gastritis.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 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 Intermittent Pain In Chest?

Brief Answer: Need to look for myocardial infarction or aortic aneurysm Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. If its a burning pain, antacids should help with gastritis. If you take antacids, or cold milk and pain is not reducing, we need to look for cardiovascular causes. 2. At present, need to look into myocardial infarction or dissecting aortic aneurysm. Need to go to ER to get an ECG to rule out myocardial infarction. If ECG is presently not indicating a new infarction, any aortic aneurysm requires evaluation. Go to ER immediately. At this age, intermittent discomfort, substernal - myocardial infarction is a primary suspect especially if you rule out gastritis. Hope it helps. Any further queries, here to help again. Dr. Prakash HM