Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Chest Area

Posted on Sun, 4 Jan 2015

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

Sun, 4 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello I had an EKG taken at my school and forgot to show it to my doctor. Could you take a look at it please? For the last week, I've been experiencing pain near my chest on the left side, right side, and back but the pain only last couple seconds and then goes away. The stomach pain seems to last couple minutes after I eat. I've also been experiencing pain in my left shoulder while running and it goes away after a couple seconds too. My doctor told me that I have high blood plessure even though I'm only 18 years old and that my heart has a small murmur. I'm a healthy athlete and do not have any health issues or take any medication.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your ECG is normal, i would recommend to do other examinations...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX!

I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your ECG is normal. I can confirm: Sinusal rhythm. No arrhythmia is detected. Patern of early repolarisation (which is normal in young athletes like you).

You are complaining of hypertension and chest discomfort. If you were my patient i would recommend the following examinations:
- Cardiac ECHO
- Stress test
- Holter monitoring
- BP monitoring
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood analysis
This will help to determine the cause of hypertension and to evaluate your cardiac status (and risk).

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (46 hours later)

Hello I just had a blood test done and the results said that I have a high triglycerides level. I am an elite athlete and do not eat "fast food" and I try to take care of my health by eating real health food and limiting junk food. Is it normal for athletes of my age to have high levels of triglycerides? What could I do to lower it? Thank you for your help.y

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
If the problem persist after three months of strict diet start treatment...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

No it's not normal for athletes at your age. I want to ask if anyone in your family has high triglyceride levels?

You are an athlete and I think you are eating healthy and don't abuse with cigarette and alcohol. This is why your problems may be related to some sort of familiar dyslipidemias.

If you were my patient I would recommend:
- Reduce sugar intake (chocolate, cafe, beverages, candys etc)
- Reduce bread, rice, spaghetti intake because they may be transformed in triglycerides by the liver.
- Reduce red and fatty meat.
- Use plenty of omega 3 fish oil supplements.
- Don't eat more than 3 eggs a week.
- Keep going with sport and healthy life.
If the problem persist after three months of strict diet a medical treatment should be started.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (32 hours later)

Im not sure about high triglyceride levels in my family but my grandpa died from a sudden heart attack at age 63. He was very active and played tennis daily. The autopsy revealed that one of his arteries was completely blocked. Like you said, I will follow the diet that you recommend and maybe request another blood test in a couple months to see if my triglyceride levels got better.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue with regular follow up...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

As long as you have a hereditary component for ischemic heart disease (heart problems) you should continue with the healthy lifestyle and regular follow up (including your triglyceride levels).

I recommend to tell your family to do the lipids tests (as you did).

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

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

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