For the last couple years, I have had slight pain and tension in my chest over my heart. It tends to become more intense when I drink and smoke, although I only drink once or twice a week and smoke very rarely (once or twice a month). It seems to intensify when I lay down to go to bed at night, about 5-10 minutes after laying down. I get a shortness of breath, and sometimes a rapid heartbeat. The breath shortness is often accompanied by a slight tension in my chest and extreme anxiety bordering on panic. I went to a cardiologist and my stress test (treadmill) results and blood pressure were fairly healthy, but I still have yet to get an echo and blood test. Does anyone know what might be causing this? I should mention that I am taking a few different medications; the antidepressants Zoloft and Anafranil (Chlomipromine) along with Straterra for concentration. I also take Propecia but I wouldn't think this would have as much of an effect in that area. Thanks.

Jeff,

I get the exact same thing too. I have had all sorts of heart tests (echos, EKGs, CT angio) and everything has come back fine. But I still have the same symptoms, which are much worse when I smoke or drink (I smoke a little more often than you -- about 5 cigarrettes a week).

I really wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. Please know, however, that you are not alone.

Ross

It seems to be slightly respiratory, too

I have no idea what the cause might be, but when I saw my cardiologist one of the questions she asked me was if I prop myself up in bed at night.. I looked at her like she had two heads and asked her why would I do this?? She said a lot of people do it because when they lay down their PVCs etc get worse so they prop themselves up on pillows to sleep.. I had no idea! So apparently your not alone! Just thought you might want to know that! ;-)

Yeah, thanks I appreciate the heads up, and it does get better when I sit upright or turn on my side. It seemed worst when I was laying flat on my back.