Why am i getting chest pain?
Patient: I have been experiencing a low-grading "aching" in my upper chest for months.  I don't have any shortness of breath or feelings of fainting - just a constant ache.  Moving or breathing deeply doesn't make the problem any worse.  I am a 50 year old woman, and have been a smoker for many years.  I am using the patch to stop, but the aching hasn't subsided in weeks.  I've monitored my blood pressure the last few days and it's within normal ranges and my heart rate is around 70.  Of course, my first concern is heart disease because of my smoking.  Would it be wise to see a cardiologist?  I know many times constant chest pain is caused from stress. Doctor: Hi thanks for asking question...Here first you have to rule out respiratory causes like restrictive lung disease as that of fibrosing lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis by smoking....Second smoking release elastase so alveoli can be damaged that can lead chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Chest x ray and pulmonary function test useful.....If no respi causes present then rule out cardiac cause by ECG or echo...Avoid stress as that can aggravate the condition.....Take care....Dr.Parth