Akward chest pains...

[DDDave]

Hi everyone,

I read today about something called "Broken Heart Syndrome", and it gave me a bit of a scare! No I havent been the victim of a broken heart, or a traumatic loss recently, but I noticed the symptomes were eerily similar to something I have felt before. For a little background on myself, I am a 19 year old college student and I have been having random panic attacks since the summer. Due to fears of heart failure, I had an echocardiogram done in August, but it came as a normal echocardiogram. However, I still end up having fears of my health and my heart! (a bit bizarre i think, haha). Anyways, the symptoms for Broken Heart symdrome are, "A sudden, traumatic event [which] stuns the heart, leaving the aggrieved with chest pain and shortness of breath" (MSN.com). A few months back, I would have similar symptoms, where I would be doing something physical (like carrying my dreadfully heavy back pack), and I would feel a sudden 'rush' in my chest, like something was trying to burst through my sturnum, and i would feel a shortness of breath. Since then, I lessened my backpack load, and I havent really felt anything like i did a few months ago. And although i havent suffered a tramatic loss, which as the article stated, was a prerequsite, I'm thinking the severe anxiety and panic attacks could have been substituting for the traumatic loss. So, my question is should I be concerned about this? Has anyone else felt anything like this? Does anyone have facts on what I am feeling? Please respond!

Btw, as I stated earlier I had an echcardiogram and the results came back normal. This was in August. Is it possible for ones heart to deteriorate to a weak or diseased state in a few months? I have changed my diet, I have been eating much healthier since the summer; I dont drink often (although after the echocardiogram I had a drinking incident, where i basically blacked out for the night. Will never do that again!) Dont do drugs either.

[Barb G.]

Anxiety is a disorder with so many strange symptoms and it's symptoms are symptoms of many other things. Because of this, we many times, subconsciously, try to find other things that might be wrong with us so that we can understand what's wrong. We need something that seems real or valid, something that we can understand. I think , that's why we try to seek other things that could be wrong. But the symptoms, all of them, are anxiety symptoms. Once you are okay with that and know that you only have anxiety, you will be able to work on the program fully. Anxiety can be overcome, be glad of that.

[Malikye]

Another thing. No it is not possible for your heart, or any body organ, to deteriorate or weaken in a few months. It takes many years. Please try to relax and know that you're okay, because you are. You are young and healthy. Keep saying that to yourself until you start believing it.

[Guest]

dddave,

i would have to agree with deedee, that awkward chest pains are an entirely "normal" part of anxiety disorder.

i should know, i spent months with painful chest tightness and palpatations until i got frustrated and went to an urgent care. they tested EKG, X-ray, and blood work all to come back 100% healthy.

anxiety was once again the diagnosis for me.

one thing i would ask- and this is not to dismiss your issue- do you drink energy drinks or alot of caffeine or soft drinks?

any of these substances- coffee, cola, Red Bull, etc- all can send a normal person into an anxious shock; let alone someone who suffers from anxiety.

there is never, i repeat: NEVER a time when Red Bull and the like are ok.

All too often, I see 19+ year olds drinking those things as if you really needed more energy.

Anywho, that aside...you had the exam, now you know what it is. anxiety.

i would be trying to pin down more of the specifics of when these attacks are happening, and see if you can trace it to something. is there anything consistent (time of day, location, drinking 12 Red Bulls, etc).

[Guest]

Thank you guys! I was feeling anxious a moment ago (i just read about Angina =p), but your comments helped me out. To answer Paul R's question, i never drink coffee or red bull, and i rarely drink any kind of soda drink (maybe a coke or 2 a month depending, if that). The panic attacks ive been having turned me into a bit of a hypocondriac, as a result ive much improved my diet. In a way, im actually glad ive had these panic attacks; when im not anxious, i feel so much healthier and happier. Back on topic though, i only drink things beneficial to me, like water, green tea, concentrated cherry juice etc. I avoid caffeine all together, id much rather get a good nights sleep =)

thanks again deedee00 and paul r; to anyone else reading please feel free to continue posting, I always appreciate every ones perspective

[Kuniva]

I have been having terrible chest pains lately, but like someone mentioned before it is not really possible for a body organ to deteriorate in such a small amount of time, and only a year ago I had all sorts of tests done on my heart, all which were normal. I went into a panic attack last Thursday from the pain being so bad, but got through it. What you might want to do is stretch your chest now and then. I find it is helping a little bit.

[Guest]

Hi there - I went through the ever exact same symptoms - I actually passed a few times it is truly anxiety. I am no MD but that would be my first response - My heart only does it when I am stressed or have some anxiety inside. Matter of a fact I was just watching a movie adn my heart "flubbered" I am stressing over the holidays. I know that is what it is...When you asking your self about your heart deteri...think about how longit takes an alcoholic's liver to become diseased. If your echo was good in August it will probably still be good in 10 years. You are 19 and do positive dialogue - "19 year olds do not have heart disease, 19 year old do not have heart attacks, I will be fine, this is just anxiety and will pass!"