What causes shortness of breath, pain and tightness in chest?
Patient: I had Mitral Valve Repair almost one year ago as well as 1 Bypass.  I have returned to relatively noithrmal life. I am 62 years old. Recently I have been experiencing shortness of breath with very little exertion,  ie walking the stairs up to our bedroom.  I also feel a sharp pain in my lower left chest cavity when I take a deep breath. I feel a tightness in my chest when I lift my arm up over my head. Not a tightness light heart attack but it feels like I may have adhesions in or near the surgical area. Are these reasons for alarm? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.I can understand your concern. Yes, you should definitely consult doctor for these symptoms. Your symptoms are more suggestive heart diseases like congestive heart failure (CHF) and coronary artery disease (CAD).So better to consult cardiologist and get done ecg, 2d echo and stress test. You may need coronary angiography if any of these tests is showing abnormality. So consult cardiologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.