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Chest pain - is this anxiety?

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Posted 9/29/2011 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
OK, so I know this question has been asked on here a ton of times, but Im just need some assurance.

Over the past few years (its been reaccuring the past few weeks), Ill get these random sharp pains in my chest area right near my heart. Sometimes I get a tingling feeling and a shortness of breath. Ive been to the doctor a few times regarding this, and each time theyve told me nothing is wrong with my heart.

But heres my concern; it seems to occur when Im not feeling anxious at all. I can just be sitting there completely calm watching TV and it will happen. I mean, it seems like it should happen with Im having anxiety, right? Also, I am overweight, so thats a concern too.

Please let me know what you guys think.

Posted 9/29/2011 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi dwent and welcome. I am sorry that you are experiencin this unsettling symptom. Even if we have been reassured about our health, it is still disturbing to have any pain around the chest area...after all we have all been told that this is a red flag, right?

Assuming that you have had a recent check-up and all was well, then you can probably assume that this is anxiety related. (if you have not been in within the last year, then an appointment would be a good idea)

Anxiety does not necessary present it's symptoms when you are feeling anxious. This is what makes it so confusing and scary sometimes! (I had many panic attacks when I was feeling absoutely calm and relaxed)

You may also consider that this is something else like GERD (acid reflux) or costochondritis (benign inflamation of the connective rib cartilage) Both of these conditions would cause your initial symptoms, that could then spark anxiety/panic when the chest pain was noted.

Your best bet would be to get checked out once again, then discuss treatment options for anxiety. You and your dr. could decide if therapy could help you with some of your fears and concerns.

Keep posting with us if you like. Many of us have been in your situation, and are here to help and support:)

Take care,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/29/2011 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey. I too get those and it sucks...I can't focus on anything...I'm still trying to figure out what it is...
Posted 9/29/2011 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
I concur with ScaredyCat's post.

Sometimes I have panic attacks, and it feels like I'm having a heart attack because the anxiety isn't something conscious--it just happens out of nowhere! I generally don't have sharp pains like you, mentioned though, thankfully.

I do, however, get really nasty pains sometimes due to acid reflux type things. Typically it happens when I take medication, but it can happen out of nowhere. It's like indigestion, but it doesn't really feel like it. It feels like someone stabbing me. It's pretty bad but not 'sharp'. Anyhow, I take some medication for it now to help with that. So if your pain isn't from anxiety OR cardiovascular issues, then I say you ask your doctor about some of the things Cat mentioned about GERD and associated conditions.

Hope you feel better!
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