should I be worried? - Heart Disorders Message Board

bluebird615 · 12-22-2003, 01:54 AM

For maybe 2 or 3 years now, I experience chest pain maybe once a month, sometimes more or less. It's right in the heart area. It's a sharp pain. Some of the time, but not all the time it will be when I am excited or really hyper. It doesn't last very long, but can be a pretty sharp pain, where it almost hurts to breath in. Other times it's not as bad. I've had it last 2 minutes or longer like 15 minutes. I only recently turned 20 years old, so I don't know if it's something I should be worried about, because it's not really incompacitating or long in duration. Also, I have a friend, who has had the same thing. I doubt we would both have a big problem. It is kind of freaky to experience it though. Any thoughts would be great, because I don't know too much about heart problems.Thanks. Brandy

Machaon · 12-22-2003, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebird615

For maybe 2 or 3 years now, I experience chest pain maybe once a month, sometimes more or less. It's right in the heart area. It's a sharp pain. Some of the time, but not all the time it will be when I am excited or really hyper.

Since it has been going on for about three years, and you are still doing OK, it would not seem to be life threatening. When you experience the chest pain, do you also experience what feels like your heart jumping, or skipping a beat? Does your heart ever feel like it is racing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebird615

It doesn't last very long, but can be a pretty sharp pain, where it almost hurts to breath in. Other times it's not as bad. I've had it last 2 minutes or longer like 15 minutes. I only recently turned 20 years old, so I don't know if it's something I should be worried about, because it's not really incompacitating or long in duration. Thanks. Brandy

There are many things that irritate the heart and make it prone to skip a beat, or jump a little. Some of the times when a heart jumps sharply, it can be somewhat painful. Many people get little irregularities in their heart beat. It can be caused by any combination of smoke, or alcohol, or allergens, or pollens or stress or excitement, and not be a sign of significant heart disease. However, when it is happening, if it is indeed your heart, then your heart is telling you that something has irritated it, and you should take it easy until the heart settles down.

It might not be dangerous, but it could be, especially if it leads to worse rhythm problems, or if you have some unknown and rare heart abnormality.

Do you have other symptoms? Do you get easily out of breath? Do you get out of breath when you tie your shoes? Do you ever feel faint or lightheaded?

I am not a doctor. I've got advanced heart disease, so I am just passing on some info based on my own personal experiences, which may or may not fit your own individual situation.

Have you had a checkup or complete physical recently? If not, it might be a good idea.

bluebird615 · 12-22-2003, 03:32 PM

I get out of breath a lot when I walk across campus to class or go up stairs, but I think it's because I'm kind of out of shape and don't do any aerobic exercises. I usually only get light headed when I stand up too fast, which I think happens to a lot of people. I have felt my heart race before, but only a few times where I really noticed it. I haven't been to a doctor in a long time, because my family doctor retired. Maybe if it gets worse I'll look into it, just to be on the safe side. Thanks for sharing your info!

Machaon · 12-22-2003, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebird615

I get out of breath a lot when I walk across campus to class or go up stairs, but I think it's because I'm kind of out of shape and don't do any aerobic exercises.

You are only 20. You should not be out of breath just walking across campus. Do your friends get out of breath when they walk across campus with you? Do you tend to sweat? Do you sweat more than your friends?

You would not have posted here if you were not concerned about it. Because you are experiencing symptoms, such as chest pains, and shortness of breath, it would be wise for you to get a checkup, and a complete blood chemistry (CBC), if only to give yourself (and me) some peace of mind.

Rick7799 · 12-22-2003, 05:44 PM

Bluebird615, when I read your first post I thought stress related because I have that kind of pain all my life. I do have a problem with stress and depression. I have been checked out by doctors and a cardiologist. I have no physical problems. When I read your last post I was a little concerned. Like the last poster said it would be wise to go to a doctor and be checked out. It's better to be safe than sorry. I am not saying you have a heart problem, but when you said you get out of breath just walking across campus, that should not happen to a 20 year old. Find a doctor and you will feel much better.