[43M] Experiencing visual disturbances and chronic chest pain

Patient Description

A 43-year-old male reports seeing bright, circular dots of light in the left eye that appear intermittently every few seconds and last for a few seconds each time. This symptom started 1 day ago and has not been experienced before. The patient also describes a sharp chest pain on the left side that has been present for 8 years, with a current pain intensity of 3 out of 10. The chest pain radiates up the neck but is not associated with any other activities or movements. There are no accompanying symptoms such as severe headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, numbness, or palpitations. The patient has a history of diabetes, depression, and insomnia, all diagnosed 20 years ago. Current medications include Jardiance, Metformin, Tresiba, Trulicity, and Unisom for these conditions. The patient also uses a vape, which could be a risk factor for cardiovascular symptoms. There is no family history of cardiovascular disease.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions could be possible:

  • Migraine with aura: Migraines are a type of headache characterized by severe pain on one side of the head. An "aura" refers to sensations that you experience before the headache begins. Visual disturbances, such as seeing bright dots of light, are a common type of aura.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to relieve the symptoms of migraines and prevent future attacks.
  • Retinal detachment: This is a serious condition where the retina (the layer at the back of your eye that processes light) pulls away from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms can include seeing floaters or flashes of light.

    • Treatment involves surgery to reattach the retina.
  • Angina: This is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It's usually a symptom of coronary heart disease. Your chest pain could be a type of angina called stable angina, which occurs when the heart is working harder and needs more oxygen, such as during exercise.

    • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery.
  • Heart attack: This is a serious medical emergency where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain radiating to the neck or jaw.

    • Treatment involves restoring blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible, which may involve medication or surgery.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
  2. If your symptoms are not severe or life-threatening, make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
  3. Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they occur, how long they last, and any factors that seem to trigger them. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose your condition.

What you should look out for

Watch for the following signs and symptoms, which could indicate a serious condition:

  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
  • Chest pain that's severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes and goes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, or arms
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness

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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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What could cause bright, circular dots of light in one eye?

Bright, circular dots of light in one eye could be caused by a migraine with aura, where visual disturbances occur before a headache, or by retinal detachment, a serious condition where the retina pulls away from its blood supply.


How can long-term chest pain be related to heart conditions?

Long-term chest pain could be related to heart conditions such as angina, where reduced blood flow to the heart causes pain, or it could be a sign of a more serious condition like a heart attack, especially if the pain radiates to other areas.


What are the risks of vaping for someone with chest pain?

Vaping can increase the risk of cardiovascular symptoms as it may contribute to the development of heart disease by affecting blood vessels and heart function, which is concerning for someone already experiencing chest pain.


How do diabetes and depression affect the risk of cardiovascular issues?

Diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues by contributing to the buildup of plaque in arteries, while depression can lead to lifestyle factors that increase heart disease risk, such as poor diet and lack of exercise.


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