Chest pain needs to be diagnosed
Q: I'm a 46-year-old female in generally good health. I don't smoke, drink rarely, eat right and exercise. I am a slim 109 pounds and 5 feet, 1 inch. My blood pressure and cholesterol are low. In the past 10 years, I've been sick only twice.
Recently, I decided to increase the intensity of my exercise routine by walking on a treadmill 30 minutes each day at a rapid clip. After four days, I began to have chest pains. A couple of times, the pain woke me from a deep sleep.
I am certain there is a link between this increased cardio-exercise plan and the pain because when I quit the treadmill, the pain also quit.
I was checked out by a cardiologist about a year ago because of skipped beats and a racing pulse. I had an EKG and ultrasound, and was told my heart is fine.
I have another appointment with my cardiologist, and this time they will do a treadmill stress test. My cardiologist and regular doctor don't seem concerned, but until I know this is benign pain, I am reluctant to exercise. If you could venture a guess, I would be grateful.
A: Any stress-induced pain has an underlying cause that should be investigated.
Chest pain can be the result of many things, including pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs) and heart conditions. The ribs, esophagus, muscles, nerves and tendons within the chest can also cause pain. Asthma, inflammation of a nerve or tendon, muscle sprain or strain, pneumonia, blood clots, acid reflux and much more may be at the root of the problem.
I urge you to undergo the treadmill stress test, since this will likely bring on your symptoms in a controlled environment. Even if your heart isn't to blame, the physicians, nurses or other medical staff performing the test will be able to witness the "attack." Once a medical professional sees what is happening as it's happening, it should point him or her in the right direction for diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.
If you are concerned that neither physician is willing to help you, get a second opinion. You may be best served by requesting a referral to an internal-medicine specialist.
In the meantime, continue to exercise at a slower, easier pace. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, if needed. Try using hot or cold compresses to ease the pain.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Coronary Artery Disease." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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