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Chest Pain Signs and Symptoms

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ensmartened
ensmartened

A few weeks ago I had pain which felt like a deep ache in the center/center left of my chest. It built in intensity and then would lessen and build again. This happened several times and no episode was exactly like another. I was concerned so I spoke with a nurse who said if it didn't last more than 30 minutes, it was likely nothing to worry about. The longest episode I experienced was 17 minutes so I dismissed it.

But after experiencing 5 of these episodes in 24 hours, two of which woke me from sound sleep, I went in for an EKG and tests. It turns out, I had had a heart attack. Women't symptoms are not like men's and we can even have a heart attack with no signs or symptons, at all. I'm a 51 y/o female and work in health care.

If you're having chest pain and if you're unsure, go to a qualified doctor and get it checked. If you aren't satisfied with the assessment, go to another doctor. Your heart is your life and you shouldn't dismiss something if you're concerned. I joined this forum because I'd been having chest pain pretty regularly and hoped to gain peace of mind. I won't ignore it if it happens again. Peace and long life, folks.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • DoctorMark
    DoctorMark ensmartened

    Posted

    I agree, heart attack symptoms can easily be dismissed as general pain. If you are experiencing any chest pain that is central/left in your chest I would always recommend going to the emergency room. Dismissal of chest pain can lead to death.

    Bottom line any pain in your chest that makes you say "that doesn't feel right" needs to be checked immediately.

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 ensmartened

    Posted

    Very glad you went to the Dr and got yourself checked out, sorry it was a heart attack.

    I had sometime ago had chest pain, turned out to be fluid trapped between my heart and the sack the heart sits in, told if I had continued to think it was indigestion it could have become alot more serious given time even life threathing, felt OK whan I was sitting up, but when I tried to lie flat in bed coudn't breathe, and pain in middle of chest much more intense and pressing, elephant sitting on chest

    The Dr who spioke to me said he would have been delighted if it was indigestion, and if more poeple who thought they had indigestion had come in for a check out the funeral directors would not be doing such a roaring trade, and if any chest pain came back again don't take any chances come in and let us Dr's have a look at you.

    • ensmartened
      ensmartened lyn1951

      Posted

       DoctorMark and lyn1951: Doctors often view Death as the enemy. It's their job to keep it from us. The good doctors, anyway. I think women have to be even more vigilant because of our nontraditional presentation. This discussion group actually inspired me to go in. I thought, "what would I advise ____ to do?". I'm so happy you are here to tell your story smile Thank you for your comments and support.

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