Chest pains

[NeilC1201]

Hi this is my first post so I hope that I posted this is the right area.  I was born with a functional heart murmur and was told to have it monitored annually, after I turned 18 the doctor said that I did not need to come annually, but I could start coming every other year.  I have not been since then and I am now 24, however I have been having some problems and don't know what to do or even if it is related to the murmur.  Ok, to start my heart rate is at average always over 100 BPM whether that resting or standing.  On occasion when I take a deep breath in I can feel my heart beat really hard.  I do have shortness of breath and chest pains every now and then.  When I lay on my left side it feels like there is a lot of pressure on my chest and is very uncomfortable, but not when I lay on my right side I"m fine.  Sometimes I feel like I just ran 2 miles even though Ive been resting on the couch for 30 minutes or so.  These problems have been off and on for the last two years, and I went to the ER when they started, because I thought something was really wrong but the ER said they couldn't find anything wrong.  I haven't been able to see a doctor, because of not having medical insurance but I feel that I am going to have to come up with some way to go.  I am very physically active and usually work out 4 times  week.  I have gained some weight since I was 18 about 50 pounds and way about 175 but I don't know if it is relevant or not.  Oh and the last time I ha my blood pressure taken it was 141 over 81.


This discussion is related to Scared and seeking professional advice.

[Jerry_NJ]

It sounds like you need a good general physical check-up with an EKG.  At your age the EKG many not normally be done, but you do have heart symptoms that should have at least that check.

Many people have a heart murmur and live a long life without having to take any action, so it may be unrelated to your problem.

Talk with a clinic or other lower-cost medical facility to find out what they charge for a physical, I think it should possible to get that done for a few hundred $$, no more that a good set of tires for a car, figure out some why to pay for it, it should be done.

[NeilC1201]

I forgot to mention that earlier, during my annual check ups I had an EKG every year and I had one back in 2007, and they said that there were no abnormalities or any signs that the heart had enlarged.

[Jerry_NJ]

I forgot to mention in my first response, the BP is marginally high, but that too is not necessarily a problem, as BP is very emotion related.  Try to take your BP several time when you are in Walmart or any store that has a pharmacy (i.e., a self-operated BP station) and see what you BP tends to be most of the time.  If it remains high, that too suggests the need for medical attention/treatment/medication.  Also, a rest HR over 100 isn't a big threat either, but it is a bit too high in my view, potentially a problem indicator.

The 2007 pass on the EKG is a good sign, but I don't understand that as it relates to the heart size/enlargement.  If that can be "seen" on an EKG it is news to me, may be, but news to me.

Still, you have your young age going for you, try a health life style (including no caffeine) and see if that reduces symptoms, improves HR/BP numbers.  Did I already say?  you may benefit from a aspirin a day, take with a meal.

[NeilC1201]

It may not have been the EKG it probably was the X-ray that they also took when they were referring to the enlargement.  I appreciate the advice and will do my best to seek medical attention.