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From: ned
Date: 21 Jan 2003
Time: 19:02:50
Remote Name: 65.222.200.12
First, make sure the pain is not heart related. Definitely have a stress test. Also, a CAT scan will reveal most heart problems and any other abnormalities. A negative CAT scan should make you feel less anxious and help your problem (see below).
Assuming negative results from the stress test and CAT scan, the chest pain may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GER can irritate the esophagus which can cause all different kinds of scary chest pain, sometimes in random locations: pressure under the breastbone, feeling of fullness in different places, burning sensations in different parts of the chest (not necessarily close to the esophagus), back ache, etc. These pains can be anywhere: front, side, back. They can also seem to move.
One common cause of GER is stress. GER doesn't necessarily manifest itself as typical heartburn; the reflux may only occur in lower parts of the esophagus. You might not notice it until you feel chest pain.
Reduced stress or change in diet can solve the problem. Medications like Prevacid can also help a lot.