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is it gas? is it anxiety? is it a heart attack?

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Posted 9/1/2013 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 29, fairly paranoid and suffering from a problem that keeps me up at nights...

some nights I get symptoms such as light headedness, chest pain (does not radiate); arm pain (sometimes jaw pain); shortness of breath and nausea (no sweating though). usually, these symptoms are accompanied by abdominal pain, gas and belching. They generally go away after I've popped an antacid. However, I'm seriously worried; especially, coz I have a history of heart disease in my family (my father, grandfather, his brothers). The problem is concerning enough for me to get 2 ECGs done in 6 months. My result - sinus tachycardia and nothing else. My doc told me it is generally a common health issue with people who are stressed out and nothing to worry about. I also had a blood test done; and though my bad cholesterol is slightly higher; my total is pretty decent.

I do not have high blood pressure and I don't smoke. However, I am severely stressed out and have been for quite some time now... Many people have told me that I have an anxiety disorder (including my doc)... In the past, I have been a bit 'anxious' about my health. I was convinced I had a brain tumor; only to have an MRI report confirm my headaches as severe migraine.

On the other hand, I also have something similar to IBS - started post pregnancy (about 2 years ago). So, stomach ailments are a major part of my life. I'm so confused with all this; what is going on with me??? IT's driving me nuts... Can anyone please help me?

P.S. - I also have chest muscle pain.

Post Edited (tbhyp) : 9/1/2013 5:50:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/2/2013 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
go with what the doctor says. i know thru personal experience that when you are constantly told that you look good on paper the answer is probably anxiety. anxiety is very treatable. zoloft has helped me.
Posted 9/3/2013 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hey! thanks for replying.... I kind of agree with you... I think it's anxiety as well... I sometimes, wake up at night with my heart racing - as though I've had a fright... I think that's a symptom of anxiety... what do you think?
Posted 9/3/2013 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there!!
My heart can race for no reason when I'm trying to sleep!!
I've even had a ambulance out when its happened because it scared me so much!
But it was caught on ECG and it was the good old sinus tachycardia!!
Apparently its common in anxious people!! Me being one of them!!
Anxiety can present itself in numerous ways and the symptoms are very real...just not harmful!!
Take care!! :-)
Posted 9/4/2013 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
I would guess anxiety as well. Do you eat before bed or within 2 hours of bed and/or drink caffeine late afternoon and into the evening? Correcting some of those things could help you at night.
Posted 9/4/2013 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
@ miss spice bomb; well thank God I'm not the only one :) Anxiety is a big part of my life right now and I was also diagnosed with sinus tachycardia... But I have to say, even after the tests; I still keep thinking I'm having a proper heart attack every time I get these symptoms...

@Jdiane; I do not drink any coffee coz of my migraine... Although, I do often eat about 2 hours prior to bed... I should probably stop that now. Last night I got suffered a GERD episode and just couldn't go to sleep. I felt like I had something stuck in my throat and my chest hurt and every time I'd lay down I felt really uncomfortable... So yea, I guess I have to correct my eating habits asap...
Posted 10/4/2013 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
sonia24shah Welcome to HealingWell   and the Heart Forum . This is the place to come if you have questions or concerns about heart or blood pressure problems and the anxiety/panic, related to worries about your heart.  Some of our members have been living with heart related disorders for years, while others are new to this disorder.     Thank you for taking the time to post to our members as positive posts are truly helpful and I am glad obtaining a second opinion has help you as you deal with your concerns. I hope you continue to talk with us as we appreciate all of our new members. Kindly, Kitt
Posted 10/4/2013 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
tbhyp, hi there!

Many of us have been in this boat before! Gas, anxiety, or heart? When I originally had two severe panic type attacks back in '05, I went to the ER twice thinking it was a heart attack. I remember the nurses being so non-chalant (like they've seen this all before) and distinctly remember one asking me "why do you think you're having a heart attack?". Sure, follow-up tests all showed that cardiac was normal. I was put on PPIs for GERD back then. Also got anti-anxiety meds. The problem became very mild in the ensuing years, and only recently has re-surfaced fiercely to show its ugly head.

The point is, if you get some cardiac tests and they come back normal, think of that as great, great news!

Try seeing your primary doctor. Maybe he/she might recommend a GI doc if he/she thinks it might be GERD-related. Or recommend some other lifestyle-changing behaviour (cutting down on things like caffeine and alcohol is a good start to reduce both anxiety and GERD-related things!)

Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Ruhr
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