Confussed

hello, i am 18 yearsold and i have been suffering from heart cramps for many years now, i have this cramp pain about 3 times a day if im luckey, it stops me from breathing normally and i have to clinch my chest, at times i can hardly move, i also suffer with heart burn what do i do? could i have heart problems,

[cindy707]

I am unsure when you use the term heart cramps by what you mean and having to clinch your chest.  I personally think it would be highly unusual for you to be having heart problems by what you have written especially at your age but your feelings are very very valid.  Generally speaking when any of us have heart probs. it effects the heart rate and possibly our blood pressure.  I would strongly advise you to make an appt. w. a doctor to check you out because anything is possible altho i think that the odds are with you on your side.  At the very least your doc or clinic will set your mind at ease about what is going on with you.  The cramps may be coming from overextending yourself in either sports, activities or poor ergonomics where you are either using muscles that are affecting your chest wall area or poor ergonomics where you are sitting in one position way too long or are using muscles that are repetitive.  If i were you when you don't have these cramps i would take a finger and press it between your upper ribs in the soft areas and see if it hurts.....as far as the heartburn goes your doc can advise you on what is safe for you to take but there are alot of over the counter things to take for heartburn and obviously you are eating something that is not agreeing w. you or the acid is backing up into your throat.  At 18 i would talk to your parents about what is going on w. you if possible because they can probably advise you in which direction to go....good luck.....