Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sunday, October 11, 2009 Smart99 asks

Q: Quick sudden squeeze in chest followed by sharp shooting pains to elbow

I recently had a stress test performed and it was "abnormal". The Cardiologist has gotten approval from my insurance company to do a nuclear stress test. Today, I have been experiencing a sudden squeeze in my chest followed by quick shooting, sharp pains radiating down my left arm to my elbow. I had this happen 3 times w/in about 5-10 minutes while grocery shopping. The another one on the way back to the store, another while cooking and a couple more while sitting here online. What could this be? Any suggestions? Thanks,

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Answers (1)
Lisa Nelson, Health Pro
10/12/09 3:18pm

Hi Smart99,

 

Chest pain and shooting arm pains are classic signs of a heart attack.  With your abnormal stress test history, I recommend you contact your physician as soon as possible and/or seek emergency care.

 

Heart Attack Symptoms

What are the Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women?
The Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke - Re-Visited

 

All the best,

Lisa Nelson RD

Heart Healthy Tips

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10/12/09 9:38pm

Hi Lisa,

I am scheduled to go back and have that Nuclear stess test on Friday. As for the pains, I figure that since I have now been having them for 2 days, it must be something else. I will say this though, this morning when it happened I was sitting down in a meeting and this time I saw sparkly white flashes briefly. Hopefully, I'll remember and tell my cardiologist, or the person conducting the nuclear stress test.

Thanks a bunch for your prompt response and input. I will check out the links you posted in your reply.

-JoAnna

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10/13/09 12:18am

I'm not sure when this was posted and I am a lay person, however, I know with out a doubt that if you are having these symptoms it is necessary to get immediate medical attention.  These are classic signs of heart attack.  Minutes count in saving heart tissue.  If it turns out to be something else, better safe than sorry!  Don't play with your life for the sake of your family.  You heard the doctor get emergency care.

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By Smart99— Last Modified: 11/22/10, First Published: 10/11/09