Recurring Mild Chest Pains

Hello to all readers

I've been suffering on and off for about a month from recurring, mild chest pains.  These pains are by not means accute, however they havn't disappeared over the weeks.

They are quite central on my chest - where the rib cage meets) and I can commonly feel a small amount of what I describe as pressure or tightness there.   It is also sore to touch my chest there (but no bruising).

I've got to make an appt to a DR soon to have this checked, but am interested in opinion whilst I wait.

There has been no sharpness, shortness of breath or arms/neck tingling - just the chest.  

One thing I was considering was that I've been in a stressful situation for a while now and am wondering if stree may be involved.

My pulse rests at about 70-75 and I'm in my mid-30's (non smoker, no family history).

I look fowrard to any responses.
All the best
Steve

[erijon]

The pain of heart attack is typically substernal, diffuse, with a squeezing or pressure quality. It may radiate to the neck or jaw, shoulders, or arms. Most often, the pain is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, diaphoresis, or shortness of breath.
      The symptoms of myocardial infarction last longer than 15 minutes. The duration of the pain is variable. Pain may resolve completely after a few hours, or may persist for over 24 hours.
     Angina is typically a substernal pressure lasting five to 15 minutes. Most of the time, it will be accompanied by radiation to the jaw, neck, shoulders, or arms. Angina is less likely to have the symptoms often associated with myocardial infarction: sweats, nausea, and shortness of breath. Angina occurs when myocardium becomes ischemic — not enough blood comes through narrowed coronary arteries to meet myocardial needs. This can happen when there is increased demand for oxygen such as during exercise, or decreased supply such as hypotension or anemia. Variant angina occurs due to coronary artery spasm alone.
      Anginal pain is not typically affected by respiration or by position, although most patients with angina prefer to sit up. Patients with stable angina will have pain after a predictable amount of exertion, and have identical symptoms with each attack.
    If your pain can be brought on by touch it most likely is not cardiac in nature. Having said that, all chest pain should be checked out by a doctor to be safe, it's not worth taking a chance!

Hope this helps,

Jon