Thursday, February 16, 2012

Thursday, August 28, 2008 James asks

Q: Sharp Pain on Left Side of Chest by Heart.Sudden Onset.Varies in Degree.Persistant.

August 28 08          Time 0410 EST.              Temp 76.6 DEG. F

I woke up about two months ago.And had a Sharp pain on the left side of my chest.This pain is always worse when I awaken.And is persistant in varying Degrees.Slight Pain in upper left arm.I have also had several incidents of Severe Pain in the center of my Chest.Which last for minutes.I am under heavy Stress for about a year.In several ways.Death in Family,Smoker,Loss of Job etc.Im on Meds for Anixety,Depression from the VA.(Colonzepam and several others.

Any Suggestions? I also have Peritoitis Dental .How Bad is This?COPD,Alcohol Use

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Answers (2)
8/28/08 12:03pm

 

James,

 

Thanks for your question.  It sounds like you have your hands full right now. 

 

Though your discomfort is not typical for cardiac pain, this is still a possibility and needs to be evaluated.  Other causes include: lung or lining of the lung cavity; gastrointestinal such as esophageal reflux, esophagitis, ulcer disease; and, muscular sources. 

 

With all your medical issues, you should call for an appointment with your physician to have this checked out.  He will ask you more questions, as well as examining you and performing an electrocardiogram.  If there is still a question, he might request further studies that could include a Chest X-ray, blood work, and possibly a stress test. 

 

With your COPD, smoking cessation is a must.  Please review our Smoking Cessation site for suggestions on the best method for you.  Also, discuss this with your physician, who might recommend medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms.  Cutting  back on the alcohol to no more than two drinks per day is another suggestion.

 

Best wishes.

 

Martin Cane, M.D.

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8/29/08 12:25pm

sharp shooting pain in left of chest

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