HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Acute Pain Below Sternum?

I am 30 year old female. On thursday I had an acute pain below my sternum that lasted for about 15-20 minutes. Pain radiated to my back between my shoulder blades. I had a racing heart rate. Pain subsided and then came back for about 5 mins before subsiding again. I went home and slept for 3 hours. when i woke up I felt really lethargic. I went to work on Friday - no pain but felt spacey. Today is saturday and i have a dull ache like a pulled muscle on my left underneath my breast. Last year I had my gall bladder removed but have not had any digestive issues/heart burn related to this. could this have been a heart attack or something less sinister?
Thu, 5 Nov 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi

There are several causes of chest pain and it is possible to come out to a clear conclusion about the diagnosis only be a detailed evaluation. The classic pain of ischemic heart disease is chest discomfort that is aggravated with exercise/activity and relieved with rest. However not all patients would have such classical features. And the way you describe your features could also be a sign of ischemic heart disease. I suggest you do AN ECG/EKG and if need be you will also be asked to do a treadmill.

Besides this, there can be several causes of chest pain unrelated to heart disease including a recurrence of your gall bladder related issues. This needs to be evaluated. Even acid peptic disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease can also cause such symptoms. There are other possibilities but they are very less likely with the description that you give. But all this needs definite evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Acute Pain Below Sternum?

Hi There are several causes of chest pain and it is possible to come out to a clear conclusion about the diagnosis only be a detailed evaluation. The classic pain of ischemic heart disease is chest discomfort that is aggravated with exercise/activity and relieved with rest. However not all patients would have such classical features. And the way you describe your features could also be a sign of ischemic heart disease. I suggest you do AN ECG/EKG and if need be you will also be asked to do a treadmill. Besides this, there can be several causes of chest pain unrelated to heart disease including a recurrence of your gall bladder related issues. This needs to be evaluated. Even acid peptic disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease can also cause such symptoms. There are other possibilities but they are very less likely with the description that you give. But all this needs definite evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery.