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Can high cholesterol and chest pain raise heart disease risk?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 36 years old and have high cholesterol (total - 230 mg/dL, LDL - 130 mg/dL, HDL - 63 mg/dL, and triglycerides - 188 mg/dL). I had Kawasaki disease when I was five years old. Last weekend, I experienced chest pain while walking fast, and I still have dull aching pain. I visited a doctor at the emergency care, and they advised me to take an ECG. The ECG was normal at that time. However, a few days later, I got an ECG done again, and my reports suggested an abnormal right branch block and right axis deviation. Do I need to consult a cardiologist?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

RBBB (right bundle branch block) is a change seen in most healthy people. You have a history of Kawasaki disease, which puts you at an increased risk of aortic rupture. This can present itself as intense chest pain. The pain may be accompanied by severe hypotension and tachycardia. You would have to be taken to emergency care immediately. However, from your history of pain, I do not think your chest pain is due to cardiac origin. I suggest you provide a detailed medical history of your condition. Does your pain radiate? Do you have any history of high cholesterol? Is the pain getting worse? Kindly provide all the details so I can understand your case better.

I hope this helped you out. Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the quick response.

I do have a history of high cholesterol, as well as a family history of high cholesterol on my father’s side. My current cholesterol levels are total cholesterol - 230 mg/dL, LDL - 130 mg/dL, HDL - 63 mg/dL, triglycerides - 188 mg/dL. The pain has not radiated. I have noticed that my left arm is feeling weaker for the last few days, but I have no pain. The pain in my chest has not gotten worse. It is relatively dull and feels similar to a muscle pull. It is a little sharper if I turn my chest to the right. I can feel a fairly sharp pain toward the center-left part of my chest. I have no shortness of breath or dizziness. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your last cholesterol investigation shows you are at a higher risk of heart disease. Based on your symptoms, I suggest you undergo a cardiac stress test. This test will rule out the possibility of coronary artery disease. I suggest you follow the instructions given below. Exercise regularly, at least one hour every day. Have a healthy diet. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables. Do not consume junk food. Avoid excess oil, sugar, and salt in the diet.

Kindly revert to your test reports as soon as you get them. I hope this has helped you out. Thanks and regards.

Answered byDr. Isaac Gana

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At March 21, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 23, 2024

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