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What Causes Pressure In Upper Chest Area And Numbness In Left Forearm?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Question: I had a heart XXXXXXX electrocardiogram and EKG on Friday that all have come back clean. Yet, I still experience pressure in the upper chest (slight left forearm numbness, no sweats, shortness of breath fatique, etc). I notice the pressure can accompany gas/belching, and antacids relieve it somewhat. Pressure is not consistent all day, but tends to happen mornings and late afternoon,. My cardiologist wants me to see a stomach doc, but I"m still worried about the symptoms.
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I find nothing worrisome in your text

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

although the symptom of pressure (or tightness) in the upper chest can be of cardiac origin, the chances that it's your heart are low. A cardiologist should detect changes in the electrocardiogram and echo (I suppose by EKG you meant echo because EKG means electrocardiogram). If you've had pain lasting for more than 30 minutes in any time then the echo and the EKG should have shown signs of a heart attack and the cardiologist should have detected them.

Cardiologists are trained to handle such cases. This is the biggest part of their specialty. Since you've found relief in antacids, this is one more clue for you to check your stomach and esophagus.

There are more potent drugs than antacids that may treat similar problems, like the proton pump inhibitors. Finding relief with such a drug would most likely mean that your gastrointestinal system needs checking.

I hope I've helped!
Contact me again, if you still have questions.

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

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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What Causes Pressure In Upper Chest Area And Numbness In Left Forearm?

Brief Answer: I find nothing worrisome in your text Detailed Answer: Hello, although the symptom of pressure (or tightness) in the upper chest can be of cardiac origin, the chances that it's your heart are low. A cardiologist should detect changes in the electrocardiogram and echo (I suppose by EKG you meant echo because EKG means electrocardiogram). If you've had pain lasting for more than 30 minutes in any time then the echo and the EKG should have shown signs of a heart attack and the cardiologist should have detected them. Cardiologists are trained to handle such cases. This is the biggest part of their specialty. Since you've found relief in antacids, this is one more clue for you to check your stomach and esophagus. There are more potent drugs than antacids that may treat similar problems, like the proton pump inhibitors. Finding relief with such a drug would most likely mean that your gastrointestinal system needs checking. I hope I've helped! Contact me again, if you still have questions. Kind Regards!