Case 1 of 3
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Presenting Complaints
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
History of Presenting Complaint
- The patient is a 62-year-old male who presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of chest pain and shortness of breath.
- The chest pain started about 2 hours ago while the patient was at home resting. He describes the pain as a heavy, squeezing sensation in the center of his chest that radiates to his left arm.
- The pain is constant and has not improved with rest or nitroglycerin.
- He also reports feeling short of breath and slightly lightheaded.
- He denies any recent fever, cough, or other viral symptoms.
Significant Positives & Negatives For Differentials
Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Positives:
- Chest pain that is heavy, squeezing, and radiating to the left arm
- Persistent chest pain that is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
- Shortness of breath and lightheadedness
Negatives:
- Absence of diaphoresis or nausea/vomiting
- Lack of significant ST-segment changes on ECG
Unstable Angina
Positives:
- Chest pain that is heavy, squeezing, and radiating to the left arm
- Persistent chest pain that is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
- Cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, family history)
Negatives:
- Lack of significant ST-segment changes on ECG
Aortic Dissection
Positives:
- Chest pain that is severe, tearing, or ripping in nature
- Shortness of breath
- Risk factors for aortic disease (hypertension)
Negatives:
- Absence of pulse deficits or asymmetric blood pressures
- Lack of back pain radiating to the interscapular region
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Positives:
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
Negatives:
- Absence of pleuritic chest pain
- No risk factors for venous thromboembolism (recent surgery, immobilization, cancer, etc.)
Musculoskeletal Chest Pain
Positives:
- Chest pain without concerning features (no radiation, relieved by rest)
Negatives:
- Lack of reproducibility with palpation or movement
- No history of recent trauma or overuse
Past Medical History
- Hypertension, diagnosed 5 years ago and treated with lisinopril
- Hyperlipidemia, diagnosed 3 years ago and treated with atorvastatin
Drug/Medication History
- Lisinopril 10 mg daily
- Atorvastatin 20 mg daily
- Nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain
Social History
- Retired accountant
- Nonsmoker
- Occasional alcohol use, 1-2 drinks per week
- No recreational drug use
Family History
- Father died of a heart attack at age 68
- Mother has hypertension
Systems Review
- Cardiovascular: Chest pain, shortness of breath
- Respiratory: Shortness of breath
- Constitutional: Denies fever, chills, or fatigue
Ideas, Concerns & Expectations
The patient is concerned that he may be having a heart attack and wants to know what is causing his chest pain and shortness of breath.
Case Presentation
The patient's presentation with persistent, heavy, radiating chest pain, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular risk factors is most consistent with acute coronary syndrome, likely unstable angina. While myocardial infarction cannot be ruled out based on the history alone, the lack of significant ECG changes and absence of other classic MI symptoms like diaphoresis and nausea/vomiting make unstable angina the more likely diagnosis. Other potential causes like aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism are less likely given the absence of certain key features. A thorough workup including ECG, cardiac biomarkers, and potentially advanced imaging will be important to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management.




