What Causes Severe Pain In Left Chest?

Posted on Wed, 30 Apr 2014

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

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 27 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a severe pain in my left chest all night. Have never had it before. I am 81, but have always been told I have a strong heart. My mother lived to 99 yr and 6 mo.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
May be related to your heart.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
There are a number of factors that may be causing this pain. It may simply be a severe attack of indigestion or a muscle strain. However, it could be related to your heart and I feel it is important that you are examined by a doctor and the appropriate investigations are carried out. If you are otherwise well with no sweating, dizziness, nausea or vomiting then it may not be due to a heart problem.
I suggest you go to the ED as soon as you can. I would advise you do not drive yourself but get someone to take you.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

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

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

I have none of the other symptoms, sweating, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. It certainly is not indigestion. If it were a muscle strain, it would have shown up after last Tuesdays Physical therapy session. (a real workover). The pain has now subsided a great deal. With a deep breath, there is a sharp pain, otherwise, nothing. My question is still, Could it be from stress.? I have never had a headache, but my stress will show up in some form, usually stomach or bowel, but that has not happened for some months. I am very healthy. What do you think?
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and see as pain has subsided.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for this further information.
Your symptoms could possibly be related to stress. If you have none of the other symptoms I mentioned that might associate your pain to your heart and if the pain has subsided somewhat then it is less likely caused by your heart.
I suggest you wait a day and if you are still experiencing pain, including on deep breathing, I would advise a visit to your doctor. Even though you are in good health and you have a family history of longevity, you should be cautious of persistent chest pain.
I hope you feel better soon.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

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

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