chest pain question (arm, doctor, heart, symptoms)

[rgomez912]

My farther is 48 and a non smoker/drinker and he has been telling me that he has had pains in his chest for the past month or so. Its beginning to go away but im worryed about it. From what he told me is when he goes up stairs he has to stop half way to catch is breath and then a sharp pain goes up his chest down his left arm. He says when it really gets bad it will even spread to his right arm a type of numming pain then go away after he rested a bit.

The docter he went to told him it might just heartburn or some acid reflex and gave him some meds to help with it. So far the pain has left him but what would cause pain that travels from the left side to the right side of your chest and make it that you can't even move?

[sues1]

Originally Posted by rgomez912

My farther is 48 and a non smoker/drinker and he has been telling me that he has had pains in his chest for the past month or so. Its beginning to go away but im worryed about it. From what he told me is when he goes up stairs he has to stop half way to catch is breath and then a sharp pain goes up his chest down his left arm. He says when it really gets bad it will even spread to his right arm a type of numming pain then go away after he rested a bit.

The docter he went to told him it might just heartburn or some acid reflex and gave him some meds to help with it. So far the pain has left him but what would cause pain that travels from the left side to the right side of your chest and make it that you can't even move?

He should go to a cardiologist and have it checked.

[coyoteskye]

Agreed ... this is where modern medicine can be essential.
The combination of chest pains and shortness of breath suggests he needs to go see an m.d..
Why has he not seen someone yet?
Is there a money issue or is he being macho and/or stubborn?
Can you convince him to see a professional?
Many people who neither smoke nor drink have issues with their heart.
And does heart disease run in your family?

[TropicalAussie]

Not all chest pain is cardiac, but should be treated as such until ruled out. The doctor should have at least done an ECG i would think.

[DanBev]

Originally Posted by rgomez912

My farther is 48 and a non smoker/drinker and he has been telling me that he has had pains in his chest for the past month or so. Its beginning to go away but im worryed about it. From what he told me is when he goes up stairs he has to stop half way to catch is breath and then a sharp pain goes up his chest down his left arm. He says when it really gets bad it will even spread to his right arm a type of numming pain then go away after he rested a bit.

The docter he went to told him it might just heartburn or some acid reflex and gave him some meds to help with it. So far the pain has left him but what would cause pain that travels from the left side to the right side of your chest and make it that you can't even move?

That so called doctor is nuts!!

[veuvegirl]

Not all chest pain is cardiac. I had a pain in my chest, it was a pulled muscle. But I think with your father's age, at the very least he should be brought in for tests. Get a second opinion ASAP!

[rgomez912]

He says he no longer has the pain and it is also a money issue to see a professional. The doctor was just one from a med clinic not one from a hospital. He told me if it comes back he will go again but after a month of pain its all gone and he can go up and down stairs even exercise without a pain in his chest.

Doctor just said it might be nothing and gave him heart burn meds and told him to come back in 4 weeks if it keeps up. After 4 weeks there was no more pain so he has not went in for another checkup.

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by rgomez912

He says he no longer has the pain and it is also a money issue to see a professional. The doctor was just one from a med clinic not one from a hospital. He told me if it comes back he will go again but after a month of pain its all gone and he can go up and down stairs even exercise without a pain in his chest.

Doctor just said it might be nothing and gave him heart burn meds and told him to come back in 4 weeks if it keeps up. After 4 weeks there was no more pain so he has not went in for another checkup.

Oooops, i overlooked the part of your post where you said that he did see an m.d..
Well, that's good.
Let's hope all is well from here on in.
I'd say, at the very least, if he experiences more of the same symptoms, he should see a specialist.