Unexpected Chest Pain

[teigan224]

My boyfriend is eighteen and has been getting these chest pains which are located under the ribs on the the left side of the chest then sometimes spreads up to his left arm. He has been getting them quite often every day for a couple of years. When the pain approaches he tenses his stomach muscles and can't really breathe properly. The pain comes unexpected and it is getting worse. He as been to the doctors many times and done blood test and all that but they just give him pain killers. We are both starting to worry if it were something else. Does anyone know what this may be? Please help?

[RubyWitch]

There are so many reasons a person can have chest pain, it would take me a long time to list them all. The bottom line is a pretty hard and fast rule, though. Chest pain should never be ignored. I know you said your b/f has been to his doctor who "took some blood and all that," (whatever THAT means) and sends him home with pain killers.
In my humble and non-medical opinion, this doctor is a moron doing a  lousy job taking care of his patient. (I'd find a new one) Since your b/f has been suffering with this for two years and it's getting worse, his doctor should have referred him to a cardiologist for a complete work-up. Since this doctor won't do it, I will. Make an appointment with the best cardiologist you can find and don't dilly-dally around. Do it now. Once he has ruled out any cardio/vascular problems, he can discuss with the cardiologist who he should consult with next. Unless this is totally anxiety related, then something is going on which obviously needs to be found and treated. Anxiety should be the diagnosis ONLY after everything organic has been ruled out.
I wish the best for your b/f
Peace
Greenlydia