[32F] Experiencing intermittent chest pain with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 32-year-old female reports intermittent chest pain over the past two weeks, described as pressure with tingling, radiating to the upper back and arms, and rated as 6 out of 10 in severity. The pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, rated 3 out of 10, and occurs concurrently with the chest pains. She also experiences abdominal pain, fatigue, and evening abdominal bloating that is not influenced by food intake. The patient has a history of cervical cancer, leading to a hysterectomy in 2018, and was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2021. She is a nicotine user, maintains a healthy weight, and is currently taking Cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol as needed. She has a known allergy to latex. No other medications or allergies were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Angina: This is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. The pain is often described as a pressure or squeezing in your chest.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause chest pain.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or even surgery.
  • Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause abdominal pain. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen, the center of your abdomen, or your right shoulder or back.

    • Treatment may not be necessary unless the gallstones cause symptoms. If they do, treatment options include surgery to remove the gallbladder or medications to dissolve the gallstones.
  • Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks and fear of future panic attacks. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and feelings of fear or impending doom.

    • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medications, or both.

Please remember that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should seek immediate medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Given your symptoms, it's important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Chest pain can be a sign of serious conditions like heart disease.

  2. Lifestyle changes: Depending on the cause of your symptoms, making certain lifestyle changes may help. This could include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.

  3. Medication: Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications depending on the cause of your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If your chest pain becomes severe or continuous
  • If you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or severe abdominal pain
  • If you have symptoms that could indicate a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of angina and how is it treated?

Angina is characterized by chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure or squeezing, which may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.


How can GERD cause chest pain and what are the treatment options?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and chest pain. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and, if necessary, prescription medications or surgery.


What are gallstones and how do they cause abdominal pain?

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can cause abdominal pain if they block a duct, leading to sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen, center of the abdomen, or back. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the gallbladder or medications to dissolve the gallstones.


What are the symptoms of panic disorder and how is it managed?

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks, which can include symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and feelings of fear or impending doom. Management typically involves psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.


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