Anxiety Related Chest Pain

Dear Doctor:

I underwent two angioplasties late last year and two months later bypass surgery after the stents closed.  I am still having chest pains which the doctors don't know the cause but feel it is related to a lot of anxiety I have had over my health problems.  My question is how best can I reduce or eliminate anxiety and chest pain through medical and non-medical interventions.  I am a 52 year old male who had been active physically (jogging, etc.) but now do much less strenuous exercise (walking).  Thank you very much for your help.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Terrry,
The first step is to make sure that medical causes of the pain (e.g. angina, musculoskeletal, etc) have been eliminated.  Once your doctors have done this there are other things that can be done.  Exercise is a great start and I would encourage you to continue that as recommended by your doctor.  Biofeedback techniques and other things like prayer and meditation help some people to overcome lingering pains.  Stretching is important and can help keep you limber.  Finally, sleep is something we all have too little of and more can help.  If all these fail there are perscription medications that your doctor can prescribe that may help with the pain.  Good luck.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Terrry,
The first step is to make sure that medical causes of the pain (e.g. angina, musculoskeletal, etc) have been eliminated.  Once your doctors have done this there are other things that can be done.  Exercise is a great start and I would encourage you to continue that as recommended by your doctor.  Biofeedback techniques and other things like prayer and meditation help some people to overcome lingering pains.  Stretching is important and can help keep you limber.  Finally, sleep is something we all have too little of and more can help.  If all these fail there are perscription medications that your doctor can prescribe that may help with the pain.  Good luck.