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Free Medical Advice sponsored by
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Got an ache or pain? Have a question about a prescription or over-the-counter drug? Looking for some FREE medical advice?
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Question:
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| I was diagnosed in the States with a faulty valve and was prescribed monopril for the condition. I have been feeling a daily ache in my chest (left) and left arm and left side of my neck. I am concerned that I may be at risk, but am uncertian. Currently, I'm in a part of Russia with little to no health care resources--Western resources. Are these pains a possible sign of the progression of the valve problem or unrelated? Thanks for your help.
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Answer:
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| Thank you for your inquiry. The drug you're taking is, I assume, being prescribed to you for a degree of heart failure secondary to a valve lesion... do you know which valve? Aortic, mitral, tricuspid...? You don't mention your age or any other previous cardiac history, but you're right to be concerned about any ache / pain in your left arm / chest / neck. Even if you do not have any other cardiac risk factors (family history, smoking etc.) you'd be best advised to at the least see a doctor, tell the story, get an EKG (fairly low-tech) and if possible (may not be where you are) cardiac enzyme tests so to be sure that you are not getting pain associated with heart muscle damage. Depending where you are we may be able to direct you to a local doctor or facility that can do these tests - if you like, e-mail us your location and we'll check what we may know about there. Hope this helps.
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