Experiencing Pain on the Left Side and Chest
I am a 40-year-old female, standing at 5'3" and weighing 150 pounds. I have two young children and a medical background that includes postpartum pre-eclampsia after both pregnancies, as well as a family history of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) in my mother and grandmother. I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and take lorazepam occasionally, about once a week, as a relief for panic attacks (1 mg each time). Last night, around 7 PM, I faced a stressful situation that triggered an intense and sudden heaviness in the left side of my chest. This discomfort progressively spread over the next hour, causing throbbing pain in my left rib area and upper arm. The pain extended up to my neck and jaw, exclusively on the left side. When I checked my blood pressure, it was 138/80, which is significantly higher compared to my normal baseline of 100/68. The blood pressure cuff left noticeable red marks on my arm, heightening my anxiety; I recalled similar experiences in the ICU after my pre-eclampsia diagnosis where I suffered from similar bruising due to constant BP monitoring. To calm down, I took 2 mg of lorazepam. Afterwards, I attempted to rest, but my left foot began to tingle. I reached out to a nurse hotline requesting a callback before dozing off. Despite enduring considerable pain, I took two Tylenol before finally falling asleep for about four hours. Once the nurse called back for triage, her recommendation was to head to the emergency room after she gathered details about my symptoms. Upon waking, I noticed a reduction in pain; now I experience only mild discomfort in my chest and arm—around a level of 4 out of 10—compared to last night's intensity, which was closer to a 7. Should I monitor my situation and only seek medical help if the pain worsens tonight, or is it advisable to go to the ER now?
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 6:01:27 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned after experiencing sudden chest pain, especially given your medical history and family background. Chest pain can have various causes, some of which may require immediate attention. Here's a structured approach to help you navigate this situation:
Main Points:
- Risk Factors: Your medical history and recent symptoms suggest the possibility of a cardiovascular issue, which needs careful consideration.
- Current Symptoms: You reported a reduction in pain but still have mild discomfort, and tingling in your foot can be a sign that requires evaluation.
- Immediate Consideration: Despite feeling some improvement, the history of intense pain and your anxiety can complicate the situation.
Explanation:
Chest pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, or neck, especially on the left side, can be concerning for heart-related issues, where immediate medical evaluation is often necessary. Given your background of postpartum pre-eclampsia and anxiety, it’s important to rule out any serious issues. The increase in blood pressure could also be linked to anxiety or physical stress, but it might also indicate a more complex situation needing attention.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
- Given the acute nature of your symptoms, coupled with your history of pre-eclampsia and family history of cerebrovascular issues, I strongly advise that you go to the emergency room for evaluation now. It's better to be cautious, especially with pain that has characteristics concerning for heart issues.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- While en route to the hospital, keep track of any changes, including worsening pain, difficulty breathing, or any new symptoms like dizziness or severe headache.
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Communicate With Caregivers:
- When you arrive, fully explain your symptoms, past medical history, and any family history relevant to your current situation. They can provide the appropriate tests and treatment.
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Anxiety Management:
- While in the emergency setting, if anxiety resurfaces, communicate this to the healthcare team. They can provide support to help manage your anxiety while also addressing your physical symptoms.
It's always better to err on the side of caution, especially with chest pain, so seeking immediate care is the most prudent step. Take care, and I hope you find the answers and relief you need.
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