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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Chest Pain Radiating To Sternum And Numbness In Hands

I am having a chest pain above my heart that extends to my sternum area sometimes. Most extreme when laying down. Wakes me in my sleep after about 5 hours. Feels tight like I could stretch the area to relieve pain, but doesn't work. Sometimes sharpness with deep breath, but on rare occasions. Been occurring for one week. Also experiencing numbness in hands and right foot. 2 weeks ago before chest pain I was having numbness in left hand causing throbbing in index finger. Also can't lay on side without sore cage feeling, aches to stretch out after. No change in diet or exercise. Last 2 days starting to extend further into the day or become more frequent. 26 year old female, 5'5, 138 lbs
Wed, 25 May 2016
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
The good news it that a heart related illness is very unlikely based upon your description of symptoms. Discomfort that is positional, awakening from sleep, sharp or worsened by a deep breath is usually not cardiac. More commonly, the source of discomfort is skeletal, inflamed joints where the ribs meet the sternum, muscular discomfort or even nerve irritation. Most such problems fix themselves in 7-10 days and respond to over the counter pain medications.
Of course, if symptoms worsen or fail to resolve over that time period, let a healthcare professional take a look at you.
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Suggest Treatment For Chest Pain Radiating To Sternum And Numbness In Hands

The good news it that a heart related illness is very unlikely based upon your description of symptoms. Discomfort that is positional, awakening from sleep, sharp or worsened by a deep breath is usually not cardiac. More commonly, the source of discomfort is skeletal, inflamed joints where the ribs meet the sternum, muscular discomfort or even nerve irritation. Most such problems fix themselves in 7-10 days and respond to over the counter pain medications. Of course, if symptoms worsen or fail to resolve over that time period, let a healthcare professional take a look at you.