chest pain while holding cold items

[EWF]

I understand that being out in the cold can trigger angina. Is it also possible, though, that angina can be triggered by holding cold things? Every time I handle something very cold (for instance, when I'm cooking with half-frozen meat), within 15-20 seconds of holding it, I experince a tight, burning, all-encompassing pain in my chest. I cannot pinpoint where the pain is because it fills the entire center and upper area of my chest. The pain is intense, making me lean over in pain. The pain gradually fades when I put down the cold item. This doesn't happen with moderately cold items; it only happens with items that are frozen and/or near frozen.

In the past, I've occasionally experienced mild discomfort (a dull ache that settles into my left shoulder) while running outdoors in frigid weather.  However, last spring, I went for a stress echo and everything checked out excellent.  Therefore, in light of the good results, as well as the fact that I can run through the pain (even during 15 miles runs) my doctor and I were not concerned about the discomfort and chalked it up to muscle strain and or mile arthritis.

I've searched on-line and I can't seem to find anything about colding cold items triggering angina.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?  Any other ideas of what this might be?  I'd feel pretty rediculous to go to a cardiolist about this, especially since I'm only 36.

Thank you for your time!

[Cleveland Clinic]

EWF,

Thanks for the post.  

I can't explain the issue of handling items precipitating the pain in the chest.

Certainly, extreme cold weather can place some stress on the body which can precipitate angina in people with coronary disease.  

In a some, asthma can often be triggered by cold weather and these symptoms can be mistaken for angina.

I would sit and have a good history and physical with your internist to explore these symtpoms further.

good luck

[EWF]

Please excuse my errors in grammar!

[uptowngirl]

Experientially, I believe that cold does play a part in effecting the heart.  I cannot say what part, I am not a Physician.  But I am looking forward to hearing the Dr. response.  We have had some good discussions and comments on this issue in the past.  I always have more chest tightness, episodes, palps in the winter than any other time.  I do much better when Feb/March rolls around down here in SC.
Perhaps you could run/work out indoors if that would help.
All the Best,
Uptown

[EWF]

Thank you, doctor, for your response. Looks like my internist will have his work cut out for him.  

Also, thank you, Uptown, for responding.  Because my chest discomfort when running outdoors doesn't bother me enough to make me stop, and because it is unlikely heart related, I'll stick to outdoor workouts! ;o)  

It's the intense pain I experience when holding cold things that is really the most concerning (and baffling) to me.  Take care -- Hope you enjoy feeling better as spring and summer are upon us!

EWF

[EWF]

Interesting that you experience this, too.  I, too, have Raynaud's (mild case).  You may have hit the nail on the head.  I have been curious too at times concerning possible nerve issues.  What sort of nerve problems do you have?