Felt Shooting Pain In Breast Near Armpit While On Flight And Have Headache. Advise?

Posted on Mon, 19 Aug 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 Answered on

Sat, 7 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
I am a 56 year old woman. For the first time I felt a slight shooting pain in the upper left breast near the armpit. I was flying and have now arrived at my destination. I've have had only about 5 pains, 1 since arriving 2 hours ago. I have a slight headache - feel stressed over this and am hoping for advice. No heart problems in the family that I know of.
Thank you so much .. 5'8 170lbs, somewhat active

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You MUST GO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

     Your symptoms are not typical of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – pain from the heart is oppressing, in central chest (and left), worse on effort, relieved by rest, may radiate to shoulders and arms, associated with sweating and so on. However, any pain at this age and situation should be investigated as heart pain or Pulmonary Embolism, – unless proved otherwise.

     EKG ( may be TMT later - Treadmill exercise ECG) / ECHOcardiogram / LABORATORY work-up – may all be necessary for further assessment and assistance. The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation.

You SHOULD SEE YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE... Better be safe than sorry - treated if a problem is found / Happy, if it turns out otherwise

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (1 hour later)

I have slept, eaten and had fluids. I have not felt any pain since the one when I landed...it lasted for a couple seconds. I should mention that I have taken, over the last couple of days Magnesium (it says on bottle chelazome,trohic, bisglycinate. I have taken magnesium citrate for a bit to help me sleep and someone recommended this one. Could this contribute to anything. I will stop taking it now.
Thank you sincerely,

God bless, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get investigated -

Detailed Answer:
Hello

It is unlikely to be related to the magnesium supplement...

Absence of pain subsequently, as at present, does not necessarily exclude the problem. At perimenopausal age, with edema - it is better to be investigated and get reassured, than otherwise.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar