chest feeling tight

christa50 · Post by **christa50** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:40 pm

the last few days my chest feels tight but when i went to the doctor he said it sounded good. I get this once in a while i wonder if its anxiety. i dont feel all that stressed but i have alot going on. anyone else have this

Charlie Brown · Post by **Charlie Brown** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:14 pm

christa50,

I have had chest tightness on and off for two years. I actually started having some chest tightness last night. It's been on and off and very, mild. For me, it's either anxiety, asthma or Costochondritis which is an inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone or sternum. Chest tightness is an overlapping symptom of several ailments. Since my breathing is fine, my current condition is either anxiety or Costochondritis. Probably costo.

I would recommend a stress test and if possible a nuclear stress test just to rule out anything cardiac. I had a nuclear stress test last December and it was very relieving for my health anxiety to hear that my heart is the healthiest my cardiologist has seen in 2 years.

Here is a couple of links on Costochondritis.

<A HREF="http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprains ... dritis.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprains ... tis.htm</A>

<A HREF="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/costocho ... cle_em.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.emedicinehealth.com/costocho ... _em.htm</A>

NOTE: this diagnosis should only be made by your dr or drs.

christa50 · Post by **christa50** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:48 pm

i had all the heart test including the nuclear stress test and they are fine/

ErinLT · Post by **ErinLT** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:55 pm

It sounds like since you have done the tests and are fine that it is a body symptom of your anxiety. Everyone has different symptoms that are caused by anxiety, my biggest is stomach ache and nausea. Just like any of the symptoms people can have, you need to work on the anxiety to relieve the chest tightness, even if it feels like a real physical problem. The program has helped me to make myself of aware of my body feelings and to talk myself out of them. The breathing exercises and positive self talk help, because i used to think i really had stomach problems all the time. i didnt, and i am slowly getting much better. the nausea is fading. i believe you can do it too, but you need to start by realizing you are healthy and okay.

Charlie Brown · Post by **Charlie Brown** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 4:48 am

christa50,

Good news on the cardiac aspect.

ErinLT had some wise words.