I am a 32 year old female experiencing intermittent chest pressure (w/ numbness and/or tingling radiating on my left side, arm, and neck) frequently at rest and shortness of breath upon any exertion. Due to previous experience, I am positive it is not heartburn, injury, or muscoskeletal. The shortness of breath began about two weeks ago. In the past two months I woke up due to chest pain or because I was unable to breathe at least once a week.
I have multiple cardiac risk factors (high BP, pre-diabetic, slightly elevated cholesterol, weight) and a heart murmur (although I understand they can be benign). HOWEVER, previous EKGs taken during previous episodes have shown no problems. My fitness has improved, so the recent shortness of breath is a concern. I know this is a stupid question, but have to ask - I don't want to waste money or a hospital visit if it's likely I can wait and/or it's not a heart problem
2007-03-06 10:23:29 · 8 answers · asked by BigD 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Go to the ER
2007-03-06 10:37:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
CALL 911. As a paramedic I would rather go to your home, pick you up and it end up being nothing then pick you up later VSA (vital signs absent). Don't risk it with a suspected heart attack. It may just be anxiety, but do you really want to chance it? Have they ruled out angina and/or giving you nitroglycerin. At a minimum you should be seeing a cardiologist and probably tested wearing a halter cardiac monitor that records your ECG throughout your daily activities.
The symptoms you describe are classic heart attack symptoms that I have seen personally in patients and should not be ignored, and don't be fooled by the fact that you are young, or female, you could still be young and have serious heart problems. In fact just recently I found out a friend who is under thirty had a stroke because of a heart dysrhythmia.
This isn't meant to scare you, heart issues are not the death sentence they used to be, if caught early and manged appropriately do not have to be disabling.
2007-03-06 12:57:37 · answer #2 · answered by Jenny M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seriously, i think you need to be seen in the er asap. It is really not a good idea or may be safe to wait. IF you already know that you have some risk factors then you should be more concerned and get it checked out asap. I think it is better to be safe than sorry. I hope all goes well. God bless.
2007-03-06 14:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by beba 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A common dilemma? Do I do to the ER, pn;ly to be told it's nothing and be sent home, or NOT go then desperately need someone to call 911.
A compromise. Call your doctor, now.. what are you waiting for??/
2007-03-06 11:43:35 · answer #4 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't wait for an appointment.
Go to the ER now
2007-03-06 19:16:14 · answer #5 · answered by clcalifornia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like anxiety attach but your health can never be a waste of money if you feel that bad don't take chances just go and be sure
2007-03-06 10:32:29 · answer #6 · answered by cute as a button 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk juss to be safe, i wud go to the ER; i mean it sounds kinda serious..you should have it checked outt a.s.a.p. good luck =]
2007-03-06 10:31:15 · answer #7 · answered by ree<3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I WON "NOT CUTE AS A BUTTON"
2007-03-07 02:53:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋