Chest discomfort and other symptoms

[mpate]

I am a 21 year old female and for about four months I have been experiencing pain/discomfort on the center of my chest just slightly to the left. Along with the discomfort I sometimes get lightheaded/fainty, very clammy palms, a lump in my throat, generally a nervous feeling.  For about the last 4 or 5 weeks I have been very aware of my heartbeat. I can feel each pulse and I can see my left breast shake and my clothes around it moving with every  beat. My stomach pulsates as well. My heart seems to be beating hard, not fast or slow just very hard, constantly. I have seen a doctor a few times and have had a chest xray, 2 EKGs, and 3 lots of blood work, and a stomach unltrasound is scheduled for next week. The doctor, maybe because of my age, seems unconcerned about my heart and seems to be running tests to rule out evetything else instead, however especially since noticing the pulsing I have been constantly worrying about it and if there could be something wrong with my heart. I think many of the symptoms are similar to those of anxiety or stress, and even though I feel nervous at times, there seems to be no reason for it and I am not aware of anything I could be stressed about. Most days I feel miserable and don't feel like going anywhere, but I can't explain why.  My questions are (1)should I be worried about my heart? and (2)why do these symptoms seem to be leading to?

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

mpate,

thanks for the post.

(1)should I be worried about my heart?

Unless you have a very significant family history it would be highly unlikely, almost impossible that your symptoms are from your heart.  There are a lot more common causes that it sounds like your physicians are looking into.

(2)why do these symptoms seem to be leading to?

A severe case of anxiety! Seriously, you need to discuss your worries with your physician especially if your concerns are interfering with your daily activities. The worst thing that could come of this is for you to develop negative coping mechanisms.

Good luck

[tomslik190]

Did your symptoms come on all at once...in other words feeling fine one second and miserable the next?  Or was it a gradual onset?  I have very similar symptoms...started immediately 14+ yrs ago when I was 29.  After complete workup all they could find were occasional PVCs (which I had before this all happened).  I also feel unstable and am very aware of my heart beating...it just feels wrong...like it's going to stop and I will just fall over.  I was never a nervous person and don't feel nervous or anxious now.  Several people have told me that I do not seem like an anxious or nervous person.  Frustrating doesn't begin to describe what is going on.  I hope you find your answer.  If it is truly nerves, I recommend a book by Dr. Claire Weeks "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" if you can find it.

[jimmperry]

I have a similar problem. I’m a 34 year old male. About 4 months ago I started feeling a discomfort center of my chest, just to the left. Its hard to explain, like a "buzzing". It comes and goes. I seem to notice it at night most of all. Had EKG, blood work, heart halter. Nothing found. I’ve been under some stress the last year or two. Work/divorce. The doctor is pointing to this as the problem. Now I’m not sure what to do, don’t want any drugs, but it’s getting very frustrating. Ill keep you posted

[ally1977]

hey there, I understand where you are coming from. I have the chest twinges that feel like pinches in my left side and at night when laying in bed i feel shakey and my heart rate goes up and sometimes i feel like running out the door to the er as i am about to drop dead, the first time was 2 years ago and i am still here!
At the moment I have tingles in my face and jaw and blood pressure currently sitting at 149/98 and yes the doctors call it 'anxiety'! yes very frustrating, let me know how you go as  need answers too
take care and try to relax as i get told