Concerns Regarding Coronary Artery Disease
Greetings everyone, I find myself in urgent need of some medical guidance from this community. In the past week or two, I have been increasingly aware of some unusual sensations in my upper abdomen, particularly noticeable when I am in a horizontal position. The symptoms I’ve encountered include: 1) A mild to moderately intense squeezing sensation or discomfort located in the left area of my chest, near where the heart is situated. 2) Pain in my upper back, radiating just beneath my shoulder blade, resembling muscle strain. 3) A persistent dull ache or sharp discomfort in my left arm, extending down to the forearm, typically felt near the bicep region. 4) Occasionally, I experience a strange sensation in my jaw and upper neck, particularly around my teeth. 5) I frequently notice irregular heartbeats occurring multiple times daily; these episodes predominantly happen when I am lying down. The irregular heartbeat was the first symptom that caught my attention nearly a year ago. I used to lead an active lifestyle, but over the last year and a half, I have become quite inactive and find myself rarely getting any exercise. My weight has fluctuated significantly; I previously weighed around 155-160 lbs, dropped to 140 lbs, but then surged to about 215 lbs last fall, fluctuating between 200 lbs and 210 lbs since then. I have dealt with episodes of panic, feelings of dread, and anxiety, and have a history of binge-eating high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, likely stemming from an eating disorder. I haven’t had a health check-up in a while, primarily due to not having health insurance from my jobs. Should I be wary about these symptoms? If I decide to visit a healthcare professional, what specific tests should I consider requesting? Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 8:13:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's wise to have concerns about your symptoms, as they could be indicative of various issues, including potential cardiovascular problems. Your description of discomfort in the chest, arm, back, and irregular heartbeats, particularly in the context of significant weight fluctuations and anxiety, warrants careful attention.
Explanation:
- Chest Discomfort: The sensations around your chest and left arm could suggest cardiac-related issues, especially given your history of irregular heartbeats and lifestyle factors like inactivity and dietary habits.
- Radiating Pain: Pain radiating to the back and jaw can sometimes be associated with heart-related conditions, especially in younger individuals with risk factors.
- Irregular Heartbeats: These could be benign, but given your other symptoms, it's essential to investigate further.
Next Steps:
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Prioritize Immediate Monitoring: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and duration. Be aware of any additional symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or extreme fatigue that might signal a more urgent issue.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Focus on gradual changes, such as:
- Incorporating some light physical activity, starting with walks.
- Reducing high-fat and high-cholesterol foods in your diet.
- Considering options for emotional support or counseling regarding anxiety and binge-eating behaviors, as they can impact your physical health.
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Prepare for a Healthcare Consultation:
- When you visit a healthcare professional, consider asking for:
- An Electrocardiogram (ECG) to examine heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram to evaluate heart function.
- Blood tests assessing cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and thyroid function.
- Potentially, a stress test to observe heart response to exertion.
- When you visit a healthcare professional, consider asking for:
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Seek Care Soon: While waiting for your appointment, if you experience severe symptoms (like chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, shortness of breath, or fainting), don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical care.
Acknowledging your symptoms and seeking help is a positive and essential step. Remember that there are resources and support available to assist you even if health insurance is not currently accessible. Stay strong, and take care of yourself.
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