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I had just had tests done about three weeks ago in the ER ...


Sent to Health Experts March 31, 2006 5:11 p.m.

I had just had tests done about three weeks ago in the ER of our local hospital because I was having chest pain (slight, no compression or weightiness and no pains down my arms or in my jaw), and with some dizziness. At the ER, blood tests were done, EKG, chest x-ray, and other things, and all came back normal. The doctor even went down a whole list of tests that were done on the blood (the nurse drew about five or six tubes of blood!). The ER physician suggested he thought it was acid reflux and put me on Prilosec for 14 days. After the 14 days, I got off the medication. Now, four days ago I began having repeat symptoms. My question is this: are the test results done three weeks ago still good for today? In other words, how often would EKG and chest x-ray and blood tests need to be done to check for any possible heart problems?

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Male , Age: 43

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $10   
Answer
March 31, 2006 5:22 p.m. (10 minutes and 51 seconds later)
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Without knowing all of the blood tests that you did have done, generally this would include tests that would give information related to the heart as well. So with that said and with the tests that you have mentioned above, it would be very unlikely to be the cause. Now there are tests that are given to rule out any heart problems, such as the stress tests etc.. which can be repeated every couple of years, but 3 weeks I wouldn't think that at all. Normal full blood work up should be given every year just to make sure things are in the normal range.

Plus with the fact that you took the medication, and have not taken it again in 4 days and symptoms come back, chances are this is related to the upper GI. Which following up with a Gastroenterologist and even possibly having an endoscopy done is what you will need. Which can give the doctor so much more information of what is going on. It's not a bad test, but much worth it. If the 14 day supply is all you were given and have no more, you can try taking a pepic daily which can help some too. Also try sticking to a bland diet as well. No greasy, fried, spicy, chocolate foods, limit caffeine intake along with eating several small meals a day vs 3 larger ones. Try not to let your stomach get empty, this can cause stomach acid to build up as well.

But with your age, and those tests showing fine 3 weeks ago, I wouldn't suspect heart related. But you know your body better.. and the bad part is, Heart problems and upper GI problems do mimic each other. So if you are ever in doubt, then do be seen Hun, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps

PictureLindie  -- Healthcare Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 4845 Health Accepts
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Reply to Lindie
Sent March 31, 2006 5:29 p.m. (7 minutes and 9 seconds later)

Will it hurt to continue taking Prilosec OTC each day (one tablet daily)?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 31, 2006 5:32 p.m. (3 minutes and 43 seconds later)

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PictureLindie  -- Healthcare Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 4845 Health Accepts
17+ years, Healthcare Expert

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