What Causes Intermittent Sharp Pain At Left Side Of Chest?

Posted on Sun, 15 Feb 2015

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

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Good afternoon Dr. Rynne,
I am a 47 y/o caucasian female. I recently have had intermittent, sharp, left sided chest pain, no pressure, and with no other symptoms. Another physician from this service suspected rib nerve pain. This has been approx 6 wks ago. Now within the past week, I have started to experience a pronounced throbbing in my left temple with the recurrent left sided chest pain. The chest pain has been intermittently occurring since my initial inquiry six weeks ago. I do have a hx of anxiety but has been succesfully managed with effexor and welbutrin, so I am uncertain if these symptoms are related to my anxiety or if I have a medical concern here. Please help. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cardiac tests advised

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I have gone through your question carefully and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms are suggestive for anxiety disorder to my opinion. However, if I was your caring doctor would advise to run further cardiac tests to exclude cardiovascular problems :
- ECG
- ecocardiogram
-stress test
- chest Xray

If nthing will be found, then anxiety will be confirmed.
Dr.Benard

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

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