I need help, please read

Hello I need help. I'm a 21 year old male with no family history of medical problems. I felt something was wrong with my heart so I've had 4 physical exams, a chest x-ray, an echo, ekg, and 24 hour monitor and everything was fine....there were no problems at all with these tests.  However, I feel like there's still something wrong. For example, I feel tightness in my chest area sometimes and also find myself getting nervous alot and shake and worry about things if I don't feel right.  Then I immediately check my pulse. Please help me, do I have anything to worry about?

[angelinax2]

You know, your lungs are in your chest cavity.  It is always the heart that is looked at first when someone complains of "chest pains."  But, often the problem is with the lungs and what people are actually feeling is pleuritic pain.  I would suggest getting a Cat Scan of the chest with contrast.  This will give you a clear picture of the lungs and the thoracic (chest) cavity.  Also, could it just be muscular?  Are you having any arrhythmias, skipped beats, or fluttering of the heart?

[Abeybaby]

Sounds like you have classic symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder / panic .... Since your heart tests are normal I would look elsewhere for your problems.

[leealee]

I had a CT scan of my abdomen, and a chest x-ray of the lungs, so I believe they're fine. I'm not really having the fluttering, but the doctor said when he checked the EGK, I had sinus arrhythmia which he said was completely normal. My 24 hour monitor said I had palpitations and the rhythm was normal sinus rhythm. When I feel my pulse it feels like a normal pulse.  This is also keeping me from working out. I feel afraid that my heart rate will get fast and I'll freak out and immediatley check my pulse or even worse I'm afraid my pulse will stop. Please help!

[Pepperliveson]

Yes, it definitely sounds like you are having anxiety issues.  It's really important to see a doctor about it because you don't have to live with the anxiety - there is help out there.  I know this from experience.

[Pepperliveson]

You should get some help for the anxiety as soon as you can - you will feel much better.  It sounds like you are healthy and don't need to worry about your health but with health-related anxiety, sometimes you can't stop worrying.

[live4fitness]

I went in for a stress test not long ago for the same symtoms (symptoms) with my chest the tightness but I was also was having pain, the dr explained it that your muscles inside your chest cavaty can tighten and be strained. Have you started a new workout program or diet program? Have you had your electrolyes (blood work) done? It also sounds like you might be having a panic attack. You might want to talk to the dr about that because those can mimic a heart attach. FYI

[MomPOM]

Being a long-time panic/anxiety sufferer I can say that, with a clean bill of health that you have, you sould like a classic anxiety case.  If the problems are something you really don't want to deal with there are many routes you can follow.  You can see your doc for medication, see a therapist or go the homeopathic route.

Anxiety and panic are something that NOBODY should have to suffer from.

[anacyde]

I started out that way, then moved into panic attacks.  I've now recovered from that and put it behind me for the most part, though I am still anxious more than most.  I believe, in light of normal testing, this is probably the case.  Many of us here can offer a good deal of personal info and support on this matter.  A "feeling of dread or doom" is extremely common in anxiety disorders.  And hard to shake.  It's possible to feel better though.  I would try attacking the worries first.

[spratty]

Hi i was reading your post and thought i would share my story. I turn 20 nxt month and i have suffered with anxiety on and off for 4 years and believe me i still dont entirely believe its anxiety but im starting to accept it now. I had a miscarriage when i was 16 and thats when it all started. I suffer from the missed heart beats that scare me to death!!!!

I had them regularly for about a year after the miscarriage and suffered with severe panic attacks, checking my pulse, scared to exercise, always saying i dont fell right, thinking i was dying e.t.c I eventually got over this after starting prozac (anti-depressant) it really helped the anxiety. I am fit, dont smoke, play hockey 4 times a week.

I thought i was over all of this until i recently fell pregnant, im now 19 weeks pregnant and the missed beats are worse than they have ever been. It has put me right back to where i was before, thinking im going to die. I have had all the tests you have had done and all came back fine. I know we dont have the same symptoms but they can all be anxiety related. Im not saying you dont get the pain but the anxiety can make everyrthing seem so much worse. You may feel like your not anxious but deep down you are. When your anxious about your heart your chest muscles can tighten, which causes pain, if you have had the all clear i wouldnt worry but saying that ive had the all clear and i still worry so i know how hard it is. If your worried about exercising, then when you do exercise your bound to get panicky and worried cus ur so worked up about it before you even start exercising. Your heart can happily maintain a fast rate whilst exercising, if you have a normally structural heart which you do as you have had an echocardiogram. Sos the post is so long, hope you find relief soon oh and i know it sounds silly but try a relaxation tape that might relax your chest muscles and help ease the pain xx

[leealee]

I wanted to thank everyone for their posts. It is very appreciative and helpful. I think I just have anxiety too. Also, I've been very tired and no energy lately, but I know anxiety and depression play a big role in this.  If anyoen else has any stories, support, or information please feel free to write in again....thank you sooo much