Inverted T-Waves

[jhall552000]

Hello, I am a 27 y/o male, 190 LBS, 5' 11, recently stopped smoking. I have been having fairly regular chest pain for about 9 months now. I will describe the tests I have had shortly. As for the pain it occurs in several distinct areas.

Chest Pain:

Left side below the collar bone (Feels like something is pulling the muscles, SHARP pain)
Left side on the side of breast (Feels like something is pulling the muscles, SHARP pain)
Left side where the chest meets the arm (Feels like something is pulling the muscles, SHARP pain)
Center of chest (Feels like gas, and is usually better upon passing said gas)

Back Pain:

Center of back, normally on the right side of the spine (Feels like STABBING pain and gas pain)

Shoulder/ Neck/ arm pain

Trapezius pain (Feels like sharp cramping pain)
Neck pain (Feels like sharp cramping pain)
Bicep, Tricep, and Forearm pain (Feels like something is pulling the muscles, SHARP pain)
Thumb Pain

I have had every test one could imagine. Below are all the doctors I have seen and all came back normal with the exception of inverted T-Waves.

Pulmonologist
Cardiologist
Rheumatologist


I also found an EKG and Stress test I had in 2008 which also states abnormal inverted T-waves. I went to the first cardiologist in June 2010 and he stated that I did have slightly inverted T-waves, but that this was normal and was not the source of my pain. He ran a entire battery of tests (Echocardiogram, Stress Test, Chest X-ray, blood tests) and all was normal in his opinion except for the aforementioned.

I went to a second cardiologist yesterday for a second opinion because my chest still hurts, and he seemed a little concerned with my T-Waves. I am in Germany, and have private heatlh insurance. After the EKG and stress test the cardiologist said that he know's that I am concerned with the outcome and that he thinks I should get a heart cathetirization to be 100% for sure that it's nothing with my heart. My GP thinks that the cardiologist is just trying to have me do ot for money (this seems to be a common practice in Germany due to their social insurance program).

After the cardiologist, I went back to my primary care provider and told him what happened. He insisted on another EKG (Which showed the same thing) and he said not to be concerned. I have been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome. A myofascial trigger point in the subclaicar area can cause all the pain I am having according to my doctor and numerous medical publications.


So here are my questions.

Should I be concerned with the inverted T-waves? Can this be the cause of my chest pain? Any additional comments would be great. Thanks

[jhall552000]

Thanks so much. I had the results thouroughly explained yesterday and the doctor says that the T-wave abnormality stays the same during a stress test so it is nothing to worry about.

I have seen a neurologist on several occasions and have learned that I have herniations in a 3 areas of my spine. Nothing serious but still herniations nonetheless. I have been told that I have myofascial pain syndrome because of several "muscle knots".

[kenkeith]

An inverted T wave could represent coronary ischemia (vessel occlusion) but an EKG reading is not conclusive and require further test and related symptoms to make a diagnosis.  The symptoms of chest pain as you describe does not correlate well with a cardiovascular disorder although an inverted T wave can indicate coronary ischemia (blockage that impedes blood flow).  Also, an inverted T wave can be due to central nervous system and referred pain.  

The pain problem may be a pinched nerve due to arthritis of the spine or herniated disc or musculoskeletal, etc. You have a very unusual description of the pain you are having.  Have you though to seeing a neurologist?  

Thanks for sharing your experience, and I believe you can rule out any heart disorder for your chest pain.  Coronary ischemia will often present chest pains, and the chest pain happens when there is additional demand for blood/oxygen from exertion, etc. Hope this helps, take care.