Chest Discomfort: Is It Related to My Adrenal Tumor?

Chest discomfort?

Hello, Doctor He.
I am a patient with angina and am currently receiving treatment.
My doctor prescribed Nicorandil.
I would like to ask you why I sometimes experience a feeling of pressure in my chest, followed by intense contractions in my stomach, and then numbness in my lower back that lasts for about 2 to 3 minutes before alleviating.
Additionally, I cannot sleep on my left side; doing so immediately causes chest pressure and a sensation of breathlessness.
Sometimes I also experience headaches.
During these episodes, I take sublingual tablets.
I have undergone an echocardiogram, a stress echocardiogram, and wore a 24-hour Holter monitor, all of which indicated that I have angina.
Occasionally, certain movements cause my heart rate to accelerate, and when I measure my blood pressure, both diastolic and systolic pressures are very high, but my pulse is low.
Furthermore, an abdominal ultrasound revealed an adrenal tumor, but after further examination, my doctor informed me that it is non-functional and is merely an incidental finding, requiring follow-up in six months.
Could the symptoms I described possibly be related to the adrenal tumor? Thank you.

Er Mao, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/16

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, the symptoms you mentioned do not seem to be caused by an adrenal tumor; they are more likely related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction due to menopause.
To confirm the diagnosis of angina, it may be necessary to arrange for a cardiac catheterization or a CT angiography.
Please cooperate with your attending physician for treatment.
Take care from Changhua Hospital.

Reply Date: 2017/11/16

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your symptoms and their potential relationship to your adrenal tumor. It’s understandable to be concerned about the interplay between your existing conditions, especially given your history of coronary artery disease and the recent discovery of an adrenal tumor.

First, let's address your symptoms of chest discomfort, abdominal contractions, and back numbness. These symptoms can be quite distressing and may stem from various causes. Given your history of angina and the medication Nicorandil, which is used to treat angina by dilating blood vessels, it’s crucial to consider that your chest discomfort could be related to your heart condition. Angina typically presents as a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can radiate to the back, neck, or arms. The fact that your symptoms improve when you rest suggests that they may indeed be related to your heart condition rather than the adrenal tumor.

The sensation of pressure in your chest when lying on your left side could be due to positional changes affecting your heart or lungs. In some cases, lying on one side can compress the heart or alter blood flow, leading to discomfort. Additionally, the episodes of increased heart rate and high blood pressure you experience during certain activities could indicate that your heart is under stress, which is common in patients with coronary artery disease.

Regarding your adrenal tumor, it’s important to note that you mentioned it is a non-functioning tumor. Non-functioning adrenal tumors typically do not produce hormones that could lead to symptoms such as hypertension or palpitations. Therefore, it is less likely that your adrenal tumor is directly causing your current symptoms. However, the anxiety and stress associated with having a tumor can sometimes exacerbate physical symptoms, including chest discomfort.

Your description of experiencing intense abdominal contractions could also be related to gastrointestinal issues rather than your adrenal tumor. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or even anxiety can manifest as abdominal pain and discomfort, which may radiate to the chest and back.

It’s also worth considering that the combination of your heart condition and the stress of managing a newly discovered tumor could contribute to your overall symptomatology. Stress can lead to increased muscle tension, which may cause discomfort in the chest and back.

In summary, while your adrenal tumor is an important aspect of your health that requires monitoring, it is unlikely to be the direct cause of your chest discomfort and associated symptoms, especially since it has been classified as non-functioning. Your symptoms are more likely related to your coronary artery disease and possibly exacerbated by anxiety or gastrointestinal issues.

I recommend continuing to follow up with your cardiologist regarding your angina and any episodes of discomfort. It may also be beneficial to discuss your symptoms with a gastroenterologist to rule out any gastrointestinal causes. Lastly, managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling could also help alleviate some of your symptoms.

Please ensure you keep your healthcare providers informed about any changes in your symptoms, and do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain or other concerning symptoms.

Wishing you the best in your health journey.

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