Chest pain afflicts people of all ages. It doesn’t make a distinction based on demographics or social position. Having chest pain can unnerve a person. The fear is that a heart blockage could be lurking around the corner, a blockage that could be the “big one”- the...
Sharp Chest Pain: What it Means and When You Should See the Doctor
8/27/09 5:25pm
Not trying to be nit-picky, but the good doctor made a grammatical error. He stated "No sharp chest pain can occur with serious conditions."
I am certain he meant "can occur without".
Again, not picking here, just trying to make sure that no-one misunderstood.
8/31/09 2:09pm
11/ 9/09 7:26pm
I still find this sentence confusing; if you meant to write "No sharp pain can occur without serious conditions" the statement seems alarming. Isn't it true that sharp pain can be cause by a pulled muscle or even indigestion? Do you really mean to say that every instance of sharp chest pain indicates a serious condition?
5/25/10 8:32am
8/28/09 11:10am
A very timely article for me. Spent a few hours in the emergency room last night and received very intense care after experiencing pain in the chest. To my relief, all tests , i.e. EKG, blood work, chest x-ray and gall bladder ultra sound, were negative and I got a clean bill of health all around. I am very appreciative of the excellent response to my concerns last night. And so grateful that I was taken so seriously.
9/ 1/09 4:04pm
This has started happening to me when at rest or sitting at desk at work. I describe it as a finger point of pain, thats about the size of it. Never in the same spot but generally around where the ribs connect in center of the chest. Never occurs when I'm working out or walking which I do every day. I just started BP meds for pre hypertension and have read where theses sometimes can cause this.
9/ 9/09 9:38pm
1/26/10 11:48pm
I have sharp pain when inhaling - size of finger tip, on right side 2" up and towards center of chest (1" from center).
It's quite a sharp pain... it's definitely not right. Was at Emergency at hospital yesterday and was sent home after shot of anti-inflamatory. Did nothing for chest pain.
Note was at hospital because of full body pains - joints, back...
Have had galbladder removed 3 years ago.
Other things may be related but not likely: chronic migraines (24/7), crohn's disease and crohn's arthritis in lower back.
Please reply to email if you can.
1/31/10 12:32pm
Hi: Sharp chest pain is rarely serious. Some conditions like a blood clot can cause sharp chest pain. Pneumonia, plerisy (irritation of the lining of the lung)
A Non-steroidal antiinflammatory is often beneficial. Ibuprofen 400-600mg 3-4 times a day for a week will often work.
Check with you doctor to make sure it isn't serious.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Kirk Laman
www.drlaman.com
wholeheartedcardiologist@yahoo.com
1/28/10 7:52pm
7/ 4/10 2:19pm
Since 1997 i have suffered on and off with chest pains.
None for about a year until 3 months ago. Called Emergency Dr and he did ECG. Came back normal although ulse and BP raised but did lower after 5 minutes
2 months ago had another ECG which was normal
Had thyroid tests done and they were all normal
Now i am experiencing shortness of breath quite bad, only reaching 360 on peak flow monitor but also sharp pains every so often in my chest. It has made me very panicky.
I do monitor BP at home and it is between 114/77 - 130/85
The only thing which i found gives any relief is a hot water bottle on my chest.
Im female, 35 and smoker and drinker
Would appreciate any help
8/21/10 9:20am
Hi, I am a 54 year old female, I smoke and also take estrogen shots monthly for almost 20 years, about 2 months ago i experienced tingling in my left arm to the tips of my fingers, went to er, followed up with a specialist, all test were negative, have not followed up with stress test yet. now this morning i am having SHARP CHEST PAINS. I do not wish to be personal but it started after climaxing. Could this be a muscle causing such stabbing pain? I took 2 baby asprin. Thanks for your reply.
10/11/10 1:56am
If women is suffering from chest pain then she should get checked out by primary-care physician,Get a stress test ,Consider a coronary reactivity test along with an angiogram,Get medical treatment if testing is abnormal,Increasing activity level and switching to a more healthful diet can also help alleviate chest pain. She can help manage her chest pain and prolong her lives, by not smoking, restricting or eliminating altogether alcohol consumption, eating a diet low in salt and fat, and exercising. In this way chest pain in women can be prevented.
1/16/12 5:34pm
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I told my doctor about a couple of incidences of sharp chest pain that I had when I was very upset and crying (death of my father was one time), and she said it was probably just a muscle spasm.
It happened again when my pet dog died, and the pain is so intense that it stops me in my tracks. I had to force myself to settle down somewhat or I feel as if I might faint.
The third time it happened was when I was at the airport after saying goodbye to my daughter who was ill, and at that time, I really did become somewhat dizzy and had to sit down. The pain is very intense.
Could this really be just a muscle issue?
Yeah. Don't worry about it. You're just experiencing a broken heart. Very common in these times. Seriously, if you are concerned.... see a doctor. Don't rely on me.
Signed... the internet.
Hi: It's possible it's just muscles, but emotional issues and pain are known to cause real heart disease. In my book, "A Broke Heart Can Kill You" (www.drlaman.com) I try to help people determine if their broken heart is putting them at risk for a heart attack.
Depending on your risk factors, age, eating habits and many other things you can get a better idea if you are at risk.
A stress test would also be helpful. Check with your doctor again.
Dr. Kirk Laman
www.drlaman.com
wholeheartedcardiologist@yahoo.com