AboutDavid Richardson Expertise Adult heart function and disease. Not very good about children lesss than 12. Hypertension is o.k. Heart rhythm a special interest.
Experience Certified in cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Was chairman of division of cardiology at the Medical College of Virginia. Am now mostly retired.
Organizations Fellow of American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology and member of American Physiological Society..
Publications Circulation, American Heart Journal, Hypertension.
Education/Credentials M.D. from Harvard Medical School. Residency training at Yale Uhniversity School of Medicine and Medical College of Virginia.
Awards and Honors Gold Heartt Award from American Heart Association in 1995.
Expert: David Richardson Date: 7/12/2008 Subject: Chest discomfort
Question I weight 165, I am 5’11 and my blood pressure is good I had it tested two weeks ago.
For years now I have experienced chest discomfort mostly on my left side. It is not painful just discomfort. Over the years I have been to the ER and a few times and I have had Doctor visits on this issue. Each time all of my blood work comes back normal, all my EKGs normal and x-rays are normal. Some times the discomfort feels like a muscle spasm and other times it feels like heart burn. I have been treated for acid reflux and the meds make me feel better but does not take the discomfort completely away. I have anxiety issues and take meds as needed. I am sick of feeling like this and want to feel better. Could this be some kind of muscle disorder if it is not acid reflex? Help!
Answer Dear Woody,
The most common cause of chest pain like yours is cramping of the muscles between the ribs, a normal occurrence that is no threat to life. Try ibuprofen 800 mg. three times a day or Tylenol 500 mg. three times a day, but don't take those big doses for more than a week without consulting a doctor.
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