So recently I have been feeling a dull achy feeling in my chest. Under my left breast to be exact. Its not a sharp stinging pain that comes on quick and then leaves, it's just kind of there and lasts for a few hours. Also, if I lower my head I can feel a muscle pull from my back around my rib cage on the same side I have the pain. It's not everyday, but it seems like when my stress and anxiety levels peak, my heart starts to pound and I feel like I am having a heart attack, even though I don't have the typical symptoms. It is also uncomfortable to take deep breathes in and out. I am 25 years old and have been healthy for the majority of my life (no childhood illnesses, no diseases, not overweight). I try and eat healthy and take a multivitamin and fish oil daily. But like I said above, I have horrible anxiety. I freak out about everything. I guess I just want to know if anyone else out there ever experiences dull pain under their left breast and if I should be freaking out this bad about it. I have scheduled a doctors appointment, but Im terrified I am having heart problems!
I had the same issues, (still do) and it's tachycardia (sp?). I went to the hospital and to my doc and they did 2 ekgs, xrays, etc. Mine is an anxiety thing. When I went to the doc, my heartrate was 125bpm! It's scary when it happens, but my doc put me on beta blockers and an anti-depressant and it seems to help somewhat.
The best thing to do you have already done; you've scheduled an appointment for a check. Other than that, I'd recommend trying to calm yourself when you feel anxious, cut out caffein and other stimulants, and exercise deep breathing relaxation mechanisms. Try memorizing scripture about not worrying. Get a full 8 hours of sleep a night. Use positive self talk to lower your stress.
WHEN YOU GET THE ALL CLEAR FROM THE DOCTOR, see a chiropractor about alligning your spine properly and re-seating your ribs properly - they can cause terrible pain like heartattacks when they're not in the right position. Then start a stretching exercise program like Yoga and a strengthening program like Pilates.
Feel better soon!
I think it may be anxiety. Either way you need to find someway to manage your stress. Have you tried yoga or meditation ? It would help a lot if you learned how to relax and let go of all the worry.
It's possible you're having small heart attacks (women's symptoms are *often* completely different from men's symptoms) or "prepping" for an MI (women often experience symptoms for up to a month prior to the first major attack). It's also possible that it's "just" a panic attack. Or a beta receptor issue. Or a cracked rib. Or an illfitting bra (don't laugh! I have a certain bra that is just a *little* too big that anywhere from lunch to dinner time causes *severe* shooting pain across my chest and makes it difficult to breathe, and then takes hours for the pinched nerve to settle down). Or some inflammation of the intercostals (muscles between your ribs) or their sheaths. Or some deep abdominal pain (pain in our abdomen / pelvic region will often SEEM like it's coming from our chest/shoulders/kidneys just because our nervous system gets confused. It's called 'referred pain'). Or walking pneumonia... or, or, or.
So KUDOS mama for making that doctor's appt!
Just from your description, the first thing that came to mind was caffeine. It is to blame for breast pain, chest discomfort, and a racing heart! I guess if you drink no caffeine, then it's obviously something else.
Well, heart problems in women, present different symptoms, than in men.
I also read about this in Prevention magazine. And in women, they do NOT have the "typical" symptoms.
But ultimately, yes, see a Doctor and tell him/her about your symptoms.
And they can do an EKG etc.
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Most likely anxiety, but I'm glad you're going to the doctor to get checked out. It sounds like it could be heartburn. Try to relax a little if you can, meditate or do some yoga, talk a long walk, listen to some music. Worrying too much about it will only make it worse.
it could also be reflux...chest and back pains are my reflux symptoms. Educate yourself on women's heart attack symptoms-the are very different from men and some you wouldn't expect. This way you will know to get emergency help.
