Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Chest pain issues?

Recently, I have been experiencing occasional chest pain, but I'm not sure what the cause is.
I had a similar situation before, but it was more uncomfortable, and I went to see an ENT specialist.
The doctor suggested that it might be due to a recent diet that was too greasy, causing some blockage, but since I am young, it should resolve itself.
However, the chest pain has recurred recently, and it occurs mostly at night.
I did some research online and found that the pain is approximately located at the apex of the left ventricle or slightly above it.
I'm not sure what the issue could be.
Recently, I've also been experiencing numbness in my left arm.
When I measured my blood pressure at night, I noticed that the readings seemed a bit low compared to usual.
Typically, my blood pressure is around 117/75/78, but after the chest pain started, it was 98/60/68.
Is this blood pressure too low? I looked up the symptoms of a myocardial infarction, and it seems that pain at the apex of the left ventricle is related to heart issues.
Am I just being overly anxious? I tend to worry a lot whenever my body shows any abnormalities.
Thank you, doctor.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/11

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology

Hello, regarding your question about chest pain, is it dangerous? Is the blood pressure too low? Essentially, there are many causes of chest pain, and the symptoms presented by different causes have their own characteristics.
Typically, an experienced physician can distinguish between cardiac and non-cardiac causes through a thorough history taking in over 80% of cases.
As for whether the blood pressure is too low, this can usually be addressed through a medical history and basic physical examination.
I recommend that you relax and consult with your trusted family physician first, and if necessary, seek further consultation with a cardiologist.
The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is here to care for you.

Reply Date: 2022/02/11

More Info

Chest pain can be a concerning symptom, and understanding its potential causes is crucial for determining when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing intermittent chest pain, particularly at night, along with some associated symptoms such as left arm numbness and low blood pressure readings.
Chest pain can arise from various sources, including cardiac, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and psychological factors. Given your age and the nature of your symptoms, it is essential to consider both benign and serious causes.

1. Cardiac Causes: While you mentioned that you are young, it is still important to rule out any cardiac issues. Conditions such as angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart) or even myocardial infarction (heart attack) can present with pain in the chest, often radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back. The fact that you have experienced left arm numbness could be indicative of a cardiac issue, especially if it is accompanied by chest pain. Additionally, your low blood pressure readings (98/60) could suggest that your heart is not pumping effectively, which warrants further investigation.

2. Gastrointestinal Causes: Sometimes, chest pain can be related to gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophageal spasms. These conditions can mimic cardiac pain and are often exacerbated by certain foods or eating habits. You mentioned that a previous doctor suggested that your diet might be contributing to your symptoms, which could be a valid consideration.

3. Musculoskeletal Causes: Chest pain can also arise from musculoskeletal issues, such as costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum) or muscle strain. These types of pain are often reproducible with movement or palpation and are usually not associated with other systemic symptoms.

4. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and panic attacks can lead to chest pain and other symptoms such as numbness and changes in blood pressure. If you find that your symptoms are exacerbated by stress or anxiety, this could be a contributing factor.

Given your symptoms, especially the combination of chest pain, left arm numbness, and low blood pressure, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider may recommend diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or stress testing to evaluate your heart function. Blood tests may also be performed to check for markers of heart damage or other underlying conditions.

In the meantime, it would be prudent to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, or any other alarming symptoms, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical care. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain, as timely intervention can be critical.

In summary, while there are various potential causes for your chest pain, the combination of symptoms you are experiencing suggests that a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted. This will help to rule out any serious conditions and provide you with peace of mind. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

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