[47F] Experiencing severe chest pain, headaches, and leg discomfort

Patient Description

A 47-year-old female reports experiencing severe chest pain described as fluctuating between sharp and dull aches, radiating to the neck, and temporarily relieved by belching. The pain has been persistent for approximately 12-15 hours, with a severity rating of 8/10, and is unaffected by movement or position changes. Additionally, the patient describes a constant, throbbing headache spanning from ear to ear, just behind the hairline to the top back of the head, which has been present for about a month. The headache's intensity varies, reaching up to a 10/10 severity. The patient also reports nausea, occasional vomiting, leg pain requiring specific positions for relief, episodes of panic, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms are accompanied by a strange taste in the mouth and sudden onset of sweating and dizziness. The patient has a history of Crohn's disease but is not currently on any prescription medications, only taking over-the-counter vitamins and pain relief medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is a condition where the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It's important to note that in women, symptoms can be different and may include nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

    • Typical treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures to open blocked arteries.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD can cause a wide variety of symptoms including chest pain, belching, and a sour taste in the mouth.

    • Typical treatments include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and rarely, surgery.

  • Anxiety/Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Symptoms can include sweating, a feeling of impending doom, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

    • Typical treatments include psychotherapy and medications.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Chest pain, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea, can be a sign of a serious heart condition and should not be ignored.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

  • Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
  • Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long period of inactivity
  • Chest pain associated with dizziness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in women?

Common symptoms of CAD in women can include chest pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain in the back, jaw, or neck. These symptoms can differ from the classic symptoms seen in men.

How can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) cause chest pain?

GERD can cause chest pain because the acidic stomach contents can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation or pain in the chest, often mistaken for heart-related pain.

What are the typical symptoms of a panic attack?

Typical symptoms of a panic attack include sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a feeling of losing control or impending doom.

When should someone seek immediate medical attention for chest pain?

Immediate medical attention for chest pain is necessary if the pain spreads to the jaw, left arm, or back, is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, sweating, or nausea, or if it occurs suddenly after a long period of inactivity.

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