HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

can anxiety cause sharp chest pains? Part 1

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic locked
1 23
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/22/2006 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
I have had some very sharp pains in that area. I attribute it to anxiety and stress. I am a daily runner. It is not heart disease. But it hurts like hell and has literally doubled me over.
Posted 8/31/2006 5:59 AM (GMT 0)
Clash - you really need to check out this article. It is extremely comprehensive on this subject of pain on the left side. it solved a lot of mysteries for my husband. Best of luck...

http://www.failedsuccess.com/index.php?/weblog/comments/precordial_catch_syndrome_chest_pain/
Posted 9/1/2006 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
I HAVE HAD THESE SHARP CHEST PAINS JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE LEFT NIPPLE. THEY COME ONCE AND A WHILE BUT LASTED NO MORE THAN MINUTES AT A TIME. I NEVER HAD IT CHECKED OUT. I HAD A MASSAGE COUPLE DAYS AGO AND WHILE I WAS BEING MASSAGED UP AND DOWN MY SPINE NEAR THE MID-BACK AREA IT STARTED TO CAUSE THE PAIN. I FELT A MILD PANICKY FEELING WHEN SHE HIT THE SPOT THAT CAUSED IT. THEN IT CAUSED IT AGAIN AS SHE MASSAGED MY ABDOMINALS JUST UNDERNEATH THE RIB CAGE STARTING FROM THE CENTER GOING DOWN TO EITHER SIDE. I THEN THOUGHT THAT MAYBE IT IS A BLOCKED MERIDIAN OR ENERGY CHANNEL IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ACUPUNCTURE. I WILL GO TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST AS SOON AS I CAN. I DONT KNOW HOW SOON THAT WILL BE. I WOULD SUGGEST TRYING THAT. IF ANYONE GOES TO ONE LET ME KNOW WHAT IS FOUND OUT. 
Posted 9/1/2006 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi awakend,

Welcome to HW. I do not have anything to post on this however I did want to drop you a welcome. (Also if you could take off your caps it would be appreciated its like yelling and makes it harder to read.)

Good tio hvae you
Posted 9/8/2006 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
First let me say thank you to those who put up this site it. It is important to not feel like you are the only person with these issues. Feeling that you are alone only compounds the anxiety. I have had the same issues for about 5 years. My issues began after I had a reaction to pseudophedramin (spelling :). My heart almost popped out of my chest. This also happen just before 9/11 (which i am sure added to my issues) My Dr has run tests on my heart and has given me a clean bill of health.. Also, I had a severe flu episode where the paramedics were called.. they did an ekg and heart was fine. the problem is... the what if factor. we all go through it. for the most part. I have accepted the stress induced gerd i have been diagnosed with (had an endoscopy done came back fine). from time to time additional aches pains add to the what if factor. If you are like me, you are well educated about ALL the possible causes and this adds to the what if factor. If there is any advice I can give, do all the things the drs suggest to eliviate and eliminate stress.. anxiety is a beast....  the more i eliminate the stress the better i feel... not perfect.. but better... good health to you all..  
Posted 9/11/2006 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi thank god im not the only one who's been worrying about this

The sharp stabbing chest pain?

Burning sensation?

Collar Bone ache?

Left arm, shoulder toward elbow area pain?

Im 16 years old, and ive been having the same EXACT feelings that the guy who

posted this is.  Its really wierd and scares the crap out of me all the time.  I usually

get the pains once or twice, maybe 3 times a day, and the pain lasts for about 30 min, an hour at the longest. I always have one of these pains when i go to bed.

It feels like a pressure, and a burning sensation on the upper left part of my chest. I actually am having one as im writing this. Now, i used to smoke, and when i had gotten the pain before friends told me it was from smoking.  But now that i quit and ive been reading this and seeing non-smokers have it, im convinced it isnt smoking.

The pains havnt been frequent in the past 2 years, maybe once a month. But now it happens a few times a day.  Last night i got really worried about it and went to the ER.  I had an ekg, chest x-ray, and the doctor checked me out.  My hearts perfect, my chest x-rays are perfect, nothing seems to be wrong.  I didnt quite understand, it still hurt, and still does today.  He brought up anxiety, (a post dramatic stress disorder.) and told me about it.  I think this is truely what i have, as scared as i am to have a Heart attack, (god forbidd) i think im ok.  I recently moved from maryland to flordia due to tramatic family issues, and for the past two years it hasnt been easy.  I think the doctors right.  Apperantly, anxiety causes these issues, the sharp stabbing pain, the burning, etc. Although im continually worried about my chest issue, i feel with the help oh therapy and anxiety meds that i can get through it, and most if not all of you can to. 

Posted 9/11/2006 9:17 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to itsmeme and TMF. You are among friends here. We understand your anxiety issues and we all support and encourage each other. If you read back on some of the old threads, you will find all sorts of posts from people going through the same symptoms as yourselves.
Posted 9/23/2006 9:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there am new to this but i just wanted some advice please, in March this year i started suffering with bad panic attacks but i managed to get them under control now i just suffer from anxiety and have been off work for a month.

 

I went back to work last monday and i was fine but on the way home i started gettin this tight feeling in my chest since then i have started having chest tightness, small pains in my chest and a burning pain in the back of my neck and in my back which just come and go and now i have developed a chesty dry cough i phoned my doctors but i cant get an appoinment til wednesday.

 

Could anyone give me some advice on wat this could be or is just my anxiety getting the better of me or could i have some sort of chest infection i have alsorts running through ma head at the moment and i really am scaring myself.

 

Many Thanks

Kerry Ann

Posted 9/23/2006 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
YES................I get really bad sharp chest pains feels like I am having a heart attack eyes

I know I am not but it is still vbery very scary     nono  sometimes remember though it may be problems with your heart so always have yurself tested yeah ...

Love Franny

Posted 3/13/2007 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
My Recent Chest Pains & Nervousness/Anxiety   “I wrote this after reading posts that were submitted by readers of an article pertaining to Precordial Catch Syndrome at the following URL.” http://www.failedsuccess.com/index.php?/weblog/comments/precordial_catch_syndrome_chest_pain/   I am experiencing pains of the same manner, however, am starting to believe that these pains are not related directly to Precordial Catch Syndrome [PCS].   While the signs/symptoms of my pains relate closely to PCS, my pains are not externally affected.   These pains take place in my chest area & back (mostly around the heart) and feel like sharp tingles throughout; however, when I move, breathe, stretch, pull/push, or touch the area in which I am experiencing pain, it does not worsen.   My pains are intermittent and can occur at any point in time induced by the unknown.   The pains are only half my problem, unfortunately.   When these pains occur, I simultaneously experience nervousness as well.   Over the past 2 weeks, these ‘panic attacks’ have gone from weak to STRONG back to a sustainable level.   At the worst point (1 week ago), I thought I was going to die (heart attack) and had a buddy of mine rush me to PrimaCare for an EKG.   To my dismay there was no impending doom and my heart was quoted as “stable”.   I was prescribed a general anxiety med. and I left the clinic w/ the problem still occurring.   When my nervousness/anxiety gets out of control, I have no choice but to flee my current environment and lie down and relax for several hours usually w/ family so my fear of dying is minimized.   I have only had to resort to fleeing 3 times during my current 2 weeks of having these problems.   I have dropped my smoking and drinking habits to promote a long healthy life, but as I continue to research this problem, I feel as though these pains and nervous spells are being fueled by the all-power yet relentless human mind.   I am 24 year old, 6'1", 165 lb. male software developer.   My life, as I understand it consciously, does not contain stress or depression.   I am not involved in a sexual relationship, my job is laid back, and I still have close relations with my parents.   I do NOT have a history what-so-ever with anxiety disorders and I am flabbergasted as to how this could be occurring in my life with no noticeable causes and no obvious path to correction.   I, just yesterday, had blood drawn and anxiously await results to see if these problems relate to blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and/or thyroid complications.   I am constantly researching information on the internet (some helpful – some harmful) so that I can find excuses to calm my self down when my heart begins to pump profusely and my stomach begins to twist from the nervousness.   I am continuing to practice new breathing techniques from folks like yall so that I can keep my head on straight.   I can’t bear to live like this for an extended period of time and will continue to troubleshoot (or debug as we say at work) my condition until I can find a way to exhaust this ‘illness’.   Please feel free to email me at .   This issue takes top priority in my life right now and if you have a tip or would like to compare symptoms, I have no option but to graciously accept your email with open arms.   If you’re still here, thanks for reading and God Bless… -Devin ** Devin Could you put your email addy in profile for your security and safety ...non members as well as spammers can get it if in a post ....cannot if in your email  Thanks for the co operation God Bless you as well LYN Post Edited By Moderator (Howlyncat) : 11/24/2007 11:03:38 AM (GMT-7)
Posted 3/13/2007 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have had the exact same symptoms - sharp chest pain near center of chest with associated arm/shoulder pain on and off for the better part of my life (I'm 59 now).  I've had every test known to man with no diagnosis but I have found one culprit that you may be able to work with.  Since I have also had stomach issues for years with alot of gas buildup in stomach which erupts into chest/esophagus, I find that burping eventually makes the sharp pain lessen.  It's as though gas is trapped in a pocket somewhere in your upper stomach or esophagus and getting up the gas relieves the sharp pain.  Some people have difficulty burping but it's easy for me so I just keep at it until I can feel some relief.  Don't know if it will work for you but give it a try.  Also, massage the area where sharp pain is as this can "loosen" the trapped gas.  I'm no doctor and not pretending to have all the answers but since it works for me, thought I'd pass it along.  Gas can do alot of odd things to your system - and oftentimes gas is a result of anxiety (which I've also had for years) but when you think about it, acid is a really potent thing (think about it - you wouldn't want to stick your finger in a bowl of acid would you) and the acid that's rolling around in your system is just as potent.  I have even found that when I have alot of excess acid that my anxiety level increases dramatically - maybe that dreaded acid impacts the brain too - who knows.  Anyway, that's my advice for the day.  Good luck!!!

Posted 3/13/2007 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'd second what andwes says. I don't have chest pains that often, but when it does occur it seems like it eventually turns out to be gas related. It doesn't seem like it would be when it's hurting, that's for sure. And I've also had stomach problems that aren't completely unlike what he describes.

Simethicone is pretty effective at dealing with gas. It's not really a drug. It's just a substance that forces gas in the GI tract to coalesce, making easier to expel. It can be found in caplets or in Maalox plus chewable tablets.

I remember when I had my gallbladder taken out, they did it endoscopy style. That left a lot of gas that traveled up into my shoulders and even neck. It lasted for several days and at its worst was actually a lot more painful than the incisions. Anyway, that gas felt similar to the chest pains I have, only in a different place.

When people have a panic attack or a spell of anxiety, their digestive system slows down so that the body can expend all its available energy in the "flight or flight" stuff. It's pretty easy to see how that could mess up digestion...causing gas, motility problems, etc. But I'm no doctor, either, so...
Posted 4/20/2007 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I know its a little past the original post but I wanted to post about my issues.

I'm a 19 (almost 20) year old female, and since I was younger I've had occasional sharp pains on the left side of my chest (left-center) right around my heart I guess. Well last year in August, I was having sharp pain on the right side of my chest... so I went to the ER and they told me I pulled a muscle in my interior chest wall. Gave me medicine and it eventually went away. I pulled it again about 5 months later, and had to rest and take more IBprofuen. Well recently (about a month ago) I got the usual sharp pain around my heart and when I've had it before... it went away after about 5 minutes... well this time it wasn't going away. Everytime I took a deep breath it would hurt. So I waited it out.... and go figure it happened on a Friday evening. =P I couldn't get in touch with my doctor... so I waited. Finally Sunday night I went to the ER because the pain just kept getting worse. They ran tests, blood test, urine test, EKG, chest x-rays, gave me all kinds of pills... and finally told me exactly what I thought I had.... pericarditis. So again... IBprofuen and darvocets. All the other tests came out fine and my heart was alright. It went away probably in about 8 days or less.

Now I'm doing alright, but more so now I am getting the same sharp stabbing pain in the same area (heart area) but its just on occasion. I don't feel like its anxiety... because I'm not really stressed.... or so at the moment. I have a lot of stress in my life... and I've also been diagnosed with Bi-Polar (going on 8 years now) and no, I'm not on medication for it, and no I'm not really interested in taking 4 pills a day to become a zombie. Anyhow... I would like to find out what's going on... and if it is anxiety, I'm willing to take something for it.

So could it be pericarditis again? I'm also having the same pain on the right side of my chest again, as if I pulled the muscle again. -_- So could this just be anxiety related?
I plan on see'ing my doctor ASAP for maybe an echocardiogram.

I hope everyone else is doing okay with their problems.

-Ashley
Posted 4/20/2007 6:13 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Ashley,

Im sorry to hear that this is a problem that is still an issue. As for whether there is an anxiety disorder there? Im not a doctor so dont take my word as gospel, but I think potentially not. If pericarditis is a pre-existing condition and you are finding that the pain in your chest is spreading/moving it is definately a good idea to see a doctor (possibly for an echo or maybe re-run some of the previous tests such as the ECG).

I hope this helps

Darren

Posted 6/7/2007 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all.

I am yet another person glad to not be alone. I have all the symptoms that have been mentioned. In fact, I sit here now with sharp chest pains. I am 27 years old, I workout every single day, am in great health, have had an EKG, Stress Test and all that. It came back normal, except for a very slight mitral valve prolapse. The dr. has me on Coreg CR and it doesn't seem to help any. Working out is actually the time of day I feel the best, so I believe it has to be anxiety. I've been having symptoms for six months and it started out waking up in the middle of the night with a severe anxiety attack. I haven't felt the same since. I am so tired of feeling like something is wrong and yes, the internet doesn't help because I am convinced I have so many things wrong with me that I never knew of or thought of before I started looking up my symptoms. I can't sleep well at night and have a sense of doom all the time. I would love to know why all this happens!!
Posted 6/8/2007 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW
You are sure not alone with this as you can see by others posts

Anxiety plays with our heads as well as our bodies

I believe by looking upp on the net you are opening up self to Health Anxiety even more

I have some times that " feeling of doom" but I do CBT and other things now like Relaxtion tech....breathing and going out into nature to get mind off of me and waht the A/P is trying to do

YOU have to FIGHT this with all you have hun

There are threads on techniques already on here so have alook see and I am sure one or more will or should help

For bed I drink a hot milk( has natural ingredient in in when heated is activated ..with a touch of cinnamon on top for taste) and I take trazadone the T stops my mind from working overtime and doing all that
"stinking thinking .....

Ask your daoc about this and see what is said

Also if the hot milk kinda turns you off you can add a wee bit of Chocolate to help
THIS is a great natural way to fall asleep along with the T for me

Hope this helps..........Hoping you decide to stay with us and post often and get the support and caring you so deserve ...you are now no longer alone .......God Bless...LYN



***BTW All am glad to see this thread brought up from last yr it does help ***
Appreciated more than you know

LYN
Posted 9/3/2007 1:53 AM (GMT 0)

woowwww iight, i only siigned up for this forum to post on this topic, im not a forum kinda guy but i just had to talk to u guys. i read every post on this wall n its helped me so musch. LYN bud, i got everythin u got, bin to ER uhhm, 3 or 4 times, ekg the first two times, im only 18, not overweight at all, no family history of heart problems, an tha ekgs came back fine. i got the blood work thing n i got my crap listened to by doctors n all dat. heres a list of my symptoms as i have some no one rlly mentioned:a feelin in my left chest that is almost always there, the same feeling goes down my left arm and up my neck on the left side, into the bottom of my jaw. i get tingling in my left fingers all the time, and a pain in my left arm that feels the same as the sharp chest pain, altho i dont get sharp chest pains often. i get sharp ones sumtimes but more than that i get a dull pain in the same spot,about two inches towards the center from my left nipple. when i walk, i get cramps in my left ribcage but i dont think thats related. i've been diagnosed with anxiety/panic attack and was prescribed ativan for the pannic attacks, but i went about 3 months witout getting nething for my anxiety, the ativan just calms u down when its real bad, but im on paxil now for depression/anxiety. as i sit here n type this, my thumb goes all tingly n almost numb. when i told my doctor i thought it was angina he called me an idiot, n i told him off n got a new doctor. i no its not angina tho cuz its more like the opposite, im in a fight club and in mui thai and when im doin my thing, i get all sweaty n my heart gets worked up, but i dont experience these pains or nething bcuz its not on my mind. i also rap n alot n if ne of u have ever done it, u'll find u get so darn out of breath it makes u dizzy, but still no problems wit my chest, so i guess my doc was rite it is just anxiety, n the paxil is helpin, although my anxitey still rules my life n is on my mind almost all of the time, its not as intense plus i just started takin it so i guess it takes sum time to work good.

______________________________________________________________

Edit per Forum Rules and guidelines:

1. No discussion of any illegal activity or threats of violence. (ie. illicit drug use, including medical marijuana use, threats of suicide or self-injury, or threatened or intended physical harm).  Discussions of suicide or self-harm that are deemed negative and therefore potentially injurious to others are also not permitted.

Also please watch your language in accordance with guidelines.

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 9/2/2007 9:01:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/3/2007 3:10 AM (GMT 0)

Hello and Welcome to Healing Well.

I am Kitt.

I believe as you have read  on this thread you  have symptoms many of our members experience with A & P. The Ativan is an anxyolitic and should help decrease the anxiety and help with the panic attacks as well.  Paxil is a good choice to use so your physician has given you good advice IMHO. :)

I edited your post as noted for violation of Forum rules and guidelines. I thank you in advance for your understanding. Also you had a few inappropriate swear words in the paragraph that was edited, please avoid the use of these words.

We are a warm and caring group of members who know where your coming from and what your going through. Please stay with us and keep posting.

Posted 11/24/2007 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
LYN... I have been run through the same things that you have. Except, I have even had a full on heart catheterization . All came back normal. This is including over 14 EKG's that say my heart is fine. Now a big difference is that I am a recently X-smoker/but smoked for many years so my concerns were very real as yours were I am sure. I have also been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which I take a plethora of medications for. To top all of this I have GERD as well. From my experience I have learned that if I do in-fact go to the ER I will request what is well known as the "cocktail." It is a mixture that they will have you drink and will wait about 15 minutes and then ask you how your pain is. Typically, for me, the pain subsides and pretty much confirms that it was just my GERD kicking in again. These pains can mimic a full on heart attack quite quickly and cover everything up to increased blood-pressure and heart rate. I have even had them radiate down my arms, into my jaw, and take my breath away. The fact is that even after all my heart checks, including the heart catheterization ; I have to conclude that in my situation I often sit in fear that I am going to die of a heart attack. My psychologist has told me on many occasions that if I continue to have anxiety over this issue, eventually it will happen. I have learned that when these pains come on, try slowing your breathing down to 7 or 8 respirations per minute. Make them as deep as you can as they will hopefully become deeper as you sit. If the pain does not subside or worsen, then seek medical attention. Although it may be nothing, as mine typically are, or it may be the real thing. Don't chance it! It is better to go and get help than to lie there and die. I hope this helps you sort things out. I have just joined this forum. I read your posting and seen how everyone on here is genuine in there posts and seem to care a great deal for others as well.   Shawn
Posted 11/24/2007 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Shawn
Welcome
Yes all here do care for one another it is a family here..........

I am sure glad my post as well as others hit a chord with you ........
PLEASE stay with us and get to know us here and us you

I do all kinds of techniques to help with the chest pain and the feeling of dying from a heart attack

I have just started to come out of a bad place and I am glad to see your post and do hope you will stick around .........

Luvs
God Bless
LYN
Posted 1/1/2008 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Definatly...I was "diagnosed" with Anxiety and IBS... Which I'm still thinking it could be something else.. but that's Anxiety for you. You'll always believe it's "something else" serious...I'm trying to learn the sentence I hate most. "It's all in your head" I am having pretty bad chest pains today, it sucks because earlier it was so bad like right under my breasts and center of chest and leading to the back all at the same time, my fiance told me to lay on his stomach and it actually helped for a second... the chest pains suck... I have an appt. on th 14th w/internal med to get a check up on everything again. I know for sure once my tests come back normal, i'll be so relieved and i'll deal w/the stupid pain.. as long as I'm okay and healthy... physically.. lol I'm seeing a counselor for my ibs/anxiety. I'm also starting to get this numb/dull weak feeling in my ab area (guessing it's ibs related) Haven't heard anyone w/simiar symptoms. but yeah..I get the chest pains too.. My friend's anxiety started with chest pains, then he started getting panic attacks (pounding heartbeat) He's doing better though, we all will get better. I find that reading about anxiety really helps.. and reading that there are other people facing the same probs... anyway, take care though-you'll be fine-
Posted 2/6/2008 3:06 PM (GMT 0)

It's good to know that I'm not the only one suffering from this! Not that I would want anyone else to have to go through this! It's really scary, especially when people around you don't know what's happening.  My fiance was kind of sceptical when I first starting having these attacks. I really think he believed I was faking them for attention. It got so bad, I wouldn't let him know I was having one.

I'm scheduled to see a heart specialist because one of my co-workers had the same symptoms and her doctor sent her to a heart specialist and she found out she was having what's called "SVT- supraventricular tachycardia".  Before she went to the heart specialist, her doctor had put her on metropolol.  That's what I take for my panic attacks.  The heart specialist did something and she hasn't had anymore problems. I'll keep you posted to what happens! The reason I want to see a heart specialist is to rule out anything else. I don't want to take blood pressure medicine and Zoloft for the rest of my life - not if it's something else that's wrong with me!

Lisa

Posted 2/6/2008 3:15 PM (GMT 0)

Lisa
Welcome to Healing Well and the A & P forum.  Good to hear you are going to follow up with a Cardiologist.
Post and let us know what you find out.
You may want to start your own thread if your comfortable.  Just click on the new topic button and a sceen will open for you.  It helps if you give a title to your topic. :)

Again a warm welcome
Kitt

Posted 2/6/2008 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! :-)
Posted 2/6/2008 5:49 PM (GMT 0)

I've experienced this too.

I get the impression there are an unusually high percentage of younger people and men who get this compared to some anxiety problems. Probably reading too much into it, but it might be relevant....

Anyway, I've had various pseudo-cardiac symptoms, but an ECG, blood test and BP check have all come back ok, plus I'm mid twenties, average weight, non-smoker, light drinker and pretty fit. I still get flutters or strange pains from time to time, but they seem to be MUCH LESS now my anxiety has eased somewhat.

There are various things it could be (all mentioned here before - GERD, Costochondritis etc.), but if you've been checked out by a doctor my advice would be to avoid searching out what the cause is and just focus on the fact it's not dangerous. I know this is easier said than done, but if the doctor has confirmed it's not harmful it is most likely caused or atleast agrievated by anxiety. The big break for me was when I was checked out by the doctor (not for the first time!) and confirmed it was safe to get back into excercise. I got back on my mountain bike for the first time in months and rode until I was exhausted! It really helped.

I also found the various 'new age' remedies to be pretty helpful - aromatherapy, meditation, breathing excercises. My best tip for easing panic attacks is to concentrate on breathing from your diaphram - the best way to describe it is to breathe in such a way that your stomach moves, but your chest doesn't.

✚ New Topic locked
123