anxiety of the charts, heart??

[worriedcrazy10]

hello im a 19 year old male, i stopped smoking about 3 months ago, i was a smoker of about a year and 4 months, before i finally kicked the habit, i was seeing a tremendous amount of change in my health and became crazy with anxiety. my worst fear is someday getting a heart attack, i live in constant fear of it, even small pains cause me to fear, just recently i started to get a sharp stabbing pain in my left chest slightly on the lower part of my ribs. i am afraid to breath in to hard as it hurts with breats, the deeper the breath the sharper the pain. but when i fully breath in and hold it, the pain goes away, ive been getting this for the past week, it has occurred before but just now it has been on a daily basis, i cant go about my day without getting the pain,they also sometimes occur higher up the chest near the center. i also get minor shoulder tightness (but seprately from other symptoms) and dull tightness in the middle of my chest (also slight pain and tightness in right chest). i am worried sick that i might get a heart attack. it makes me have depression on a contant basis. help me please. i dont have health insurance, so i cant afford to get a check-up. i will try soon though. i am so scared, thanks to all.

[mammo]

You're very welcome, and please keep us posted!

[worriedcrazy10]

thank you mammo! i thought i was never going to quit that horrible habit, till i found the motivation to do so, now i live in constant fear i have ruined my heart and lungs. i am glad to hear some kind words of encourgement. i will keep the forum posted on any check-ups and doctor diagnosis. thank you again! GOD BLESS

[mammo]

With your age, I seriously doubt it's your heart.  But you do need to have this checked out by a professional just to put your mind at ease.  I'm sure there are walk in clinics in your area that are free or charge a minimal fee.  People with anxiety can have these same symptoms, and if this turns out to be anxiety, you'll need to address that.  It could be that your anxiety worsened without the smoking, kudos for quitting, very smart!  People who quit smoking find themselves edgy and depressed for awhile, but it is much better than what the smoking will do to you.  You worrying about your heart is feeding your anxiety which will make your symptoms worse, you truly need to address both issues.  Google clinics in your area and go to one and get checked out.  If it turns out to ne anxiety, please stay with us for support and help as you work thru this.  Try to relax and stay busy so you can't dwell on your heart, less worry = less anxiety.  See a doctor and let us know what you find out.  I wish you all the best and take care!