Chest Pain

[Guest]

I am a 28 year old healthy female. I have been having very sharp chest pains on the left side of my chest which just developed over the past 4 months. They are not picky with when and how, but typically only last 2-5 minutes. It is like someone is stabbing my chest with an ice pick. When I try to take a normal breath, the pain worsens so I'm forced to take extremely small breaths. The pain has increased in frequency thus causing me some worry. I also have times when my heart "flutters" which causes me to cough which appears to stabilize the heart beat; like an abnormal heart beat that causes lightheadedness and only lasts no more than a minute. I've had this for several years now. I'm afraid the doctor won't be to diagnose as my symptoms are infrequent (about once a week). Does anyone know if this is serious or not or what it could be?

[bharrod]

I have this same problem, except for I also have the sharp pains sometimes in my wrist (the inside of my wrist) where my arm connects to my hand, and also sometimes in my legs. Very sharp pains, coming and going every few seconds, and lasting for a few minutes. Most of the pain though is sharp pain in my chest, the left side by my breast and heart area. I had a EKG done and the doctor just thinks that the sharp pains are caused from Acid Reflux, but I don't think that is the cause. I hope we find some answer soon, before it's too late.

[Davy9]

Hello Guest..... You need to see a physician and get your problem differentiated. Delaying that only adds to your anxiety and maybe putting your health in peril.

[Davy9]

bharrod.... You might suggest to your MD that he do an EKG under stress (treadmill) if that has not been done. Another option would be a thalium scan of the heart under stress.

[bharrod]

bharrod.... You might suggest to your MD that he do an EKG under stress (treadmill) if that has not been done. Another option would be a thalium scan of the heart under stress.

Hello, well I am 35 years old, a female, and there is no history of any heart problems in my family, but I do have Heartburn and GERD, so he thinks that is what the problem is, he would not do anymore testing on me, even though I told him that these pains in my left chest and arms/legs are very sharp pains and they happen to me every single day, only for a few seconds, but still it's enough to really concern me. I did notice tonight when I burped, my heart hurt very badly for a few seconds, sharp pains again, I grabbed my chest and bent over for a few seconds, the pain was so severe. It's getting worse by the day, but the doctor doesn't seem concerned at all. I have two young children to care for, so going to the Emergency room with them, just would not be an option.
I have had these pains on and off for years, it's nothing new for me, it's just that they seem much worse these past few weeks. However, I do have depression and that can cuase all sorts of aches and pains (at least so I have been told). As I type I feel sharp pains all throughout my body, and some dull aches, nothing that I can't handle, the pain is very short lasting. Not enough to take any pain meds or anything for it.

Thanks so much for your help. If it gets any worse, I will have to try to go to a different doctor who doesn't think it's all "in my head".