Did I have a Heart Attack?

I'm a 14 year old male with a cardiac history of Mitral Valve Prolapse & PAC's .... one morning as I was sitting on the bus for school, I got this horrible chest pain that spread from my heart area to about 3 in. to the right of my chest. Along with this, I had very difficulty breathing, my chest felt heavy. This sensation lasted for at least 25 minutes.   It absolutely terrified me. I have a Cardiologist appointment very soon, but I just wanted a possible explanation before then. Thank you.


This discussion is related to Is it possible for someone to have had a heart attack and not know it?.

[is_something_wrong]

I didn't think it was possible for 14 year old men to get heart attacks.

One really easy way to find out, though. See a doctor, ask for an EKG (done in a minute or two). The doctor will know if there are any changes consistent with a previous or ongoing heart attack. A cardiologist will see it for sure.

Most likely explaination is a stretched muscle in the chest, you started to feel chest pain and you got a panic attack because you thought you had a heart attack. What you should have done, was to visit the emergency room just to rule out any harmful conditions, so you can relax in the future and don't be afraid that your heart is unhealthy.

It's good that you have an appointment with a cardiologist. Not because I think you had a heart attack, but it's important to avoid developing anxiety concerning the heart. And of course, no one here can give you a diagnosis, and chest pain should be taken seriously until heart conditions are ruled out, so you are doing the right thing.

[ireneo]

Also ask your cardio if you're having any additional rhythm problems. Valve problems can cause rhythm problems and if you were in a-fib for awhile, that may have caused some chest pain/discomfort. I hope it doesn't happen again for your sake but I hope the doctor finds out what's going on.

[kenkeith]

An echocardiogram (doppler) my be the best procedure to evaluate your MVP.  And if you have any serious cardiac issues it would be helpful to note whether or not there is any heart wall movement disorder.  The tag provided is good link to give you a perspective....The echo is also used to measure heart size and if you have a completely normal echo, then it's doubtful that you had a prior heart attack.

Some of your symptoms can be related to anxiety as well.  Thanks for sharing and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care,

Ken