Thread: 33 yr old with excruciating chest pain

Unfortunately....you just gotta keep poking & prodding for some answers and/or tests. The doctors won't help you if you sit back and let them ignore you (so to speak). If you're unhappy with your current doctor, don't hesitate to seek a 2nd oppinion - especially if this is really starting to worry you.

How's your blood pressure & cholesterol? Could that be a factor?
Do you notice the pains after certain activities or after eating certain foods?
Are you rested? Are you moving around? Is your heart rate fast/slow?

(just guessing)
Start listening to your own body and try to further diagnose yourself as to when the pains occur and when it doesn't.

I have high blood pressure and just started taking medicine for that but was having the pain prior to starting medication. I also have cholesterol issues but nothing serious enough for medication. The lipoprotein (a) deficiency means that my body does not produce any good cholesterol or at least not enough and I need to supplement it with 4 grams of fish oil per day. At first I though eating greasy food was the culprit because the symptoms presented just like gallbladder, but my last two bouts with this had nothing to do with greasy food, the first time all I had was a cup of yogurt and this last time nothing to eat so that doesn't seem to be it. I am unfortunately on my 3rd round of Dr.s with no answers. I had one Dr when I was hospitalized say they needed to check my heart, but he went on vacation the next day and no one followed up. When I asked about it the only answer I got was, you are only 33 you don't need to worry about any heart related issues until at least 40. I am at my wits end with this because I can't get anyone to listen to me. I am not the kind of person that just sets back, I voice my opinion freely but don't seem to be getting anywhere and don't know where else to turn.

then you need to find another doctor immediately. i know a few people who have died of heart related issues in their 30's.

The best hospital in the state also tends to be the busiest, also tends to be the one dealing with the most extreme cases, and because of those 2 things also tend to be the ones to want to ignore anything that does not present as immediately life threatening. Go to a general practitioner, preferably one you usually see. Get a referral to a cardiologist. That shouldn't be too hard with your family history and health issues. They will test your heart and far better than showing up in ERs or trying to get admitted to the hospital and dealing with some random doctor. Been that route. I got sent home from the best hospital's ER with pills for a cough when I was having an asthma attack from medication they gave me for rapid heart rate of which they never found an answer. I went to a smaller hospitals ER and actually got treated. Did you even get an ekg done?

Also I would be hesitant of all these ct scans. The contrast media used can wreak havoc on a lot of people's bodies. From experience repeated chest ct scans in a short amount of time can lead to blood pressure and heart problems. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up with worse chest pain after all that. These scans are pretty darn accurate. It's unlikely they've missed blood clots on the first one much less a 2nd one. If they are worried about blood clots they also usually move on to ultrasounds of the legs and other large veins. (been there too) If a hospital or doctor is repeatedly doing the same tests and none of the common/easy ones it's time to go elsewhere.

Agree w/ Spirose - you need a new doc. Yes indeed you can have fatal heart problems wayyyyy before 40. And, do this now, don't wait 'til they have to carry you out on a stretcher.
P