A 47-year-old woman with a history of diabetes and hypertension calls the clinic complaining of epigastric pain and shortness of breath with activity. She has taken antacids with no relief. What type of pain is the patient experiencing?

Question

a. Pericardial pain
b. Pleuritic chest pain
c. Musculoskeletal pain
d. Cardiac pain

Answer 1

D
Some women have epigastric pain, complaints of indigestion, or a choking feeling and dyspnea when experiencing cardiac pain. Cardiac pain does not occur with respiratory variations. Cardiac pain is most often substernal and typically radiates to the left arm and jaw in men. Pericardial pain resulting from an inflammation of the pericardial sac is usually nonradiating and often occurs with inspiration or when leaning forward. Pleuritic chest pain is peripheral and usually radiates to the scapular regions. Inspiratory maneuvers such as coughing, yawning, and sighing aggravate pleuritic chest pain. An inflammation or infection in the pleural space usually causes pleuritic chest pain. Musculoskeletal pain is often present following exercise, rib trauma, and prolonged coughing episodes. Inspiratory movements aggravate the pain and are easily confused with pleuritic chest pain.