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What Causes Pain Under Left Shoulder Blade With History Of Aortic Valve Replacement?
Posted on
Wed, 2 Mar 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 2 Mar 2016
Answered on
Thu, 12 May 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : For the last 36 hours, I have had a pain, close to the skin running from my left nipple to a spot right under my left shoulder blade.
I am a 75 yo male, who had an aortic valve replacement in October 2013. I have no fever, but feel a little off par like I had a light flu. I have made an appointment to see a cardiologue next Monday March 7th
I took both the flu shot and the pulmonary shot in the fall of 2015.
Height 5'5" and 140 lbs in birth suit.
I am a 75 yo male, who had an aortic valve replacement in October 2013. I have no fever, but feel a little off par like I had a light flu. I have made an appointment to see a cardiologue next Monday March 7th
I took both the flu shot and the pulmonary shot in the fall of 2015.
Height 5'5" and 140 lbs in birth suit.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis of different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
- Inflammation and a musculo-skeletal issue. Is this pain modulated by respiration or body movements? This would be indicative of a musculo-skeletal pain. A chest X ray study, complete blood count and inflammation tests would be necessary to rule in/out this possible cause.
- A lung infection or pleuritis (inflammation of the layers covering the lungs). The above mentioned tests would also help exclude this possibility.
- Your past medical history of aortic valve displacement is a little concerning. Although these symptoms are not typical of myocardial ischemia or any other disorders affecting the aorta, it is necessary performing some cardiac tests:
a- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
b- a cardiac ultrasound to examine the cardiac structure
c- a cardiac stress test would be necessary if suspicions of possible myocardial ischemia would be raised.
I recommend discussing with your attending physician on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis of different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
- Inflammation and a musculo-skeletal issue. Is this pain modulated by respiration or body movements? This would be indicative of a musculo-skeletal pain. A chest X ray study, complete blood count and inflammation tests would be necessary to rule in/out this possible cause.
- A lung infection or pleuritis (inflammation of the layers covering the lungs). The above mentioned tests would also help exclude this possibility.
- Your past medical history of aortic valve displacement is a little concerning. Although these symptoms are not typical of myocardial ischemia or any other disorders affecting the aorta, it is necessary performing some cardiac tests:
a- a resting ECG and cardiac enzymes
b- a cardiac ultrasound to examine the cardiac structure
c- a cardiac stress test would be necessary if suspicions of possible myocardial ischemia would be raised.
I recommend discussing with your attending physician on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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