[51M] Experiencing chest pain and arm fatigue

Patient Description

A 51-year-old male reports having sharp chest pain in the upper right region, including arm fatigue. The pain is described as a light burning sensation that comes and goes, rated at a severity of 5 out of 10. The patient has been experiencing these symptoms for 1 day. Anxiety appears to be a factor that exacerbates the chest pain. Drinking water provides minimal relief. The symptoms occur at rest and are not necessarily associated with physical activity.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, potential causes of your symptoms could 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. It can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion.

    • Treatment often involves medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery to reduce the risk of heart attack.
  • Panic disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Symptoms can include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. Panic disorder can be treated with psychotherapy and medication.

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a long-term condition where acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning chest pain called heartburn.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication.

Please note that chest pain can be a sign of a serious condition. It's important to get medical help immediately if you're experiencing chest pain.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Chest pain can be a sign of a serious heart condition, such as a heart attack. It's important to get medical help right away if you're experiencing chest pain.

  2. Try to stay calm: If your chest pain is caused by anxiety or panic attacks, try to find ways to calm yourself down. This could include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.

  3. Make lifestyle changes: If your chest pain is caused by GERD, you may need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle. This could include avoiding certain foods, eating smaller meals, and not eating before bed.

What you should look out for

  • If your chest pain becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention.
  • If your chest pain is accompanied by a feeling of pressure or tightness in your chest, this could be a sign of a heart attack. Seek immediate medical attention.
  • If your chest pain is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or a persistent cough, this could be a sign of GERD. You should speak to a healthcare professional about these symptoms.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper 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?

Common symptoms of angina include chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness. It can also radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Treatment often involves medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical procedures to improve blood flow to the heart.


How can anxiety or panic disorders cause chest pain?

Anxiety or panic disorders can cause chest pain due to the body's 'fight or flight' response, which can lead to increased heart rate, muscle tension, and hyperventilation. This can mimic or exacerbate chest pain. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, and stress management techniques.


What lifestyle changes can help manage GERD symptoms?

To manage GERD symptoms, lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods (like spicy or fatty foods), eating smaller meals, not lying down immediately after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight can be helpful. Over-the-counter medications may also be used to reduce stomach acid.


When should chest pain be considered a medical emergency?

Chest pain should be considered a medical emergency if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest. These could be signs of a heart attack or other serious conditions, and immediate medical attention is necessary.


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